Hello,

 

This was my first overseas volunteering experience and it was unforgettable!  The community I worked with is just wonderful and I have fallen in love with the culture of Nepal.  I was a bit nervous at first but my fears were instantly erased when I met my host family.Everyone was so warm and welcoming.I loved getting to know the students in my classes and discovering my hidden teaching skills!During school holidays in March, I completed the Annapurna Circuit and my appreciation for this beautiful country grew even more. Volunteering is such an enriching experience and I believe that VIN has a program to make use of anyone’s talents.VIN is a great organization that I would recommend to anyone interested in getting involved in Nepal.I plan on being a VIN member for life! Feel free to contact me with any questions.

Volunteering for VIN has been really wonderful. It's been a great way to help other people, and just an amazing experience for me personally. I have gained so many insights about the culture by staying with a family, working with children and teachers at public schools and orphanage center, and being a part of the community. It was such a plus learning to speak Nepali from local VIN volunteers. VIN showed me around to so many points of interest in the area, which has added so much enjoyment to my experience here.

I participated in VIN’s Volunteer program during my spring break, and I can honestly say that it was the one of the best experiences I’ve ever had.   It was a perfect way to really experience Nepalese culture, as well as share my culture with them.  I loved the family I stayed with, and will continue to stay in contact with them. I also really enjoyed working with the kids at the orphanage.  They are amazing children, and I feel lucky to have gotten to know them.  I got the opportunity to see more of what VIN does with the community, and completely support its activities.  I left Nepal with sadness, but its people will always have a place in my heart.   I will surely return! I recommend this program to anyone who is interested in a unique, positive way to contribute to the people of Nepal, and have a first-hand cultural experience with them. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Jennifer Vahanian,
University of Sharjah, English Instructor

My experience volunteering in the Monastery with VIN was an invaluable experience that I will cherish for the rest of my life. From the logistical perspective, the actual monastery site is truly unique. The small mountain on which the monastery is located overlooks one of the holiest sites in Buddhism, and its overall views are of the most breathtaking I saw in Kathmandu. Even though Oselling is a small monastery, the volunteer accommodations were surprisingly up to Western standards, and the monks did everything possible to make me feel welcome and involved in their community. Even though I felt like I was living at a boys’ boarding school sometimes, I was surprised by how kind-hearted, and good natured I found the monks. They were lively, happy, playful, and often rowdy. Still, the never failing spiritual presence of Buddhism was deeply felt, and the monks’ commitment to their vows and their lifestyle was evident in everything from their daily everyday activities, to their general personalities and disposition. I feel honored to have lived with and spent time with these bright, charismatic, and spiritual monks. From the very young little boys, to the 20-something college monks, to the older, wiser spiritual leaders of the ‘gumpa’ I learned something from every person I interacted with, and as much as I taught them, they taught me.
While teaching monks who spoke very little English was often challenging, VIN’s support was invaluable in making my volunteer efforts a success and the willingness of its staff to go out of their way to ensure volunteers’ safety, comfort, and happiness, was very much appreciated. VIN’s grass-roots approach allowed me the freedom to tailor the experience to my needs and wants, and allowed me to get close to the locals—be it VIN volunteers, monks, or other Nepali people I befriended— in a way that would probably have been much more difficult in a more structured and large international organization. Overall, my experience was life changing in a very positive way, and I greatly appreciated VIN’s willingness to satisfy any concerns I had and ensure I had a positive and constructive experience.

 

Volunteering for children, Youth and Women from 6th September to 30th

I am immensely grateful to Volunteers Initiative Nepal (VIN) for granting me the opportunity to work with an organization of such rare commitment and optimism, and to do so towards a vision that is noble and potentially transformative for Nepal’s most marginalized communities. My experience in Nepal and with VIN was uniquely rewarding and very refreshing. VIN’s bare boned simplicity, both in structure and vision, as well as VIN’s specific and important mission, distinguish VIN from other non-profit and volunteering organizations and make them more effective. And, indeed, VIN’s presence and ideals are very much needed in Nepal. I admire VIN and recommend their volunteering program without reservation, for to work with Bhupi and his Volunteers Initiative was a great opportunity and gift.

When I arrived in Kathmandu at the crowded airport, Bhupi welcomed me with a big hug and a happy smile. He is a workaholic, admirable in the way he cares about everybody and he is always full of hope. Without him, there would be no VIN.  He is the reason why I felt safe and not that strange in this foreign world of Kathmandu.  

 

My stay in Nepal started with a busy week of Nepali language classes and preparation for my volunteer work in a monastery, including discussions about tradition and culture. At the same time, I was full of new impressions of this country, which is completely different to every place I have been before.  

 

At the monastery, the first thing the caretaker said to us, me and my friend Marie, was that we were a big family and we should make ourselves at home. That's what we did. That monastery is one of the most peaceful and quiet places I have ever been. It's full of friendly and charming monks who are keen to learn English and very thankful to have the opportunity to do so.  

 

The two of us were the first overseas English teachers there, so it took our students some time to get used to our way of teaching. Not being able to translate what we taught and to explain exercises was quite hard sometimes, but on the other hand it gave us the opportunity to create new ways of teaching, just like drawing or pantomime, which was a lot of fun.  

 

Apart from a few problems concerning communication and organization, everything went perfectly fine and my impression is that their English has improved during the two months I taught them.   While I was living there, I learned a lot about Buddhism and being a monk, not only by joining their prayers and reading some of the books from their library, but also, and even more, by observing and taking part in their everyday lives. Our exciting and adventurous eight-days-trip to Okaldhunga, where we visited Bhupi's family in his village with nine members of VIN, should also be mentioned. This points out the relationship between the staff of VIN, which is friendship and not only getting together for working purposes.  

 

For the last two weeks of my stay I moved to the beautiful village Jitpur, the main working site of VIN, where I stayed at Kabita's (one of the local volunteers) house and supported a garbage project.  The convincing of the people to clean the village and to keep it clean resulted very complicated and will take a long time, but nevertheless we could give some information and find at least some people to start the collection of the garbage.    All in all, the time I spent in Nepal has been one of the most intense experiences of my life. I would recommend VIN as a real non-profit organisation, because everybody in this organization works very hard to achieve the goal of an educated and developed Nepal. Especially because it is still a very small organisation, it needs a lot of support.

 

Please feel free to mail or phone me regarding VIN. I am happy to share the information.

"My experience with VIN was positive in many ways.  The VIN staff is comprised of great people who are fun to work with.  The projects are also very interesting and inspiring.

My primary work was teaching English to local monks at the Osel Ling Monastery in Kathmandu.  It was fascinating to live among them and experience their lifestyle and traditions - both of which were completely unknown to me before my time in Nepal.

I also had the chance to spend some time at the orphanage playing with the kids there.  Helping them spell their names with blocks, playing volleyball, and the other activities we did with the kids to bring a smile to their faces is an experience I'll always remember.

If you're coming to Nepal, take some time to volunteer - it greatly enriches the experience and one's knowledge of Nepal & its people."

VIN was a wonderful learning experience for me. Working with the teachers in the community was enlightening and rewarding. The home stay was an interesting "perk" into the culture of Nepal and the friendly people of this delightful country!  

Teacher Development Program Volunteer July 5-21, 2008

I enjoyed working with VIN because I met many wonderful people and had a wonderful time volunteering. I felt that my contributions were well received and sustainable. Thank you to Bhupi and VIN!!

I had an absolutely amazing experience living and teaching at Osel Ling.  The monastery is a beautiful oasis nestled on a mountain, close enough to the city to access it when you want but far enough away to feel secluded.  The monks were helpful and kind and welcoming at every turn and I shared more laughs with them than I could have imagined I would.  What a fantastic and unique opportunity to live among, teach and learn from this special group of people!

Sep 18 to November 3, 2008

My name is Brian O'Beirne, I am a 22 year old student of Law in Trinity College Dublin, Ireland. Rather impetuously, I decided in July '08 to do some volunteer work and luckily stumbled upon the organisation of  “Volunteers Initiative Nepal-VIN”. From the outset the organisation were nothing other than helpful and supportive. I arrived in Nepal at the end of the month and was greeted by the ever-friendly organisers.

 

For the month of August I was situated in Drepung Monastery, Swayambuth, Kathmandu. My time there was simply unforgettable. The majority of monks whom I was teaching English to were between the ages of 6 and 16; many were abandoned children. They are such wonderful, innocent people. I have really come to care about them. This is what it's all about...

 

However, my time in Nepal wasn't all work. I spent a number of days with the other volunteers exploring the beauty and mystery of Nepal. Whether it be exploring the beautiful temples of Patan, or the glorious scenery of Chitwan National, I had an absolute blast.

I had an incredible experience with VIN in Nepal. I spent the first few weeks in a homestay with my new Nepali family, where I gained an unmatchable insight into Nepali culture, and also a glimpse of some of the everyday problems faced by everyone within the society. Then I moved on to Osel Ling monastery and began the huge learning curve that is teaching! The monastery is a beautiful, priveliged location in which to teach and live. In addition to all the challenges and rewards of teaching English, I also learnt a lot about Tibetan Buddhism and the monastic way of life. I made so many new friends, with the monks and other volunteers. The mountain-top location also provided a good deal of exercise! VIN staff were always incredibly friendly, dedicated and supportive on a level which you wouldn't get with a large, impersonal international organisation. I enjoyed my time with VIN in Kathmandu so much that I have made a commitment to return next year for an extended period.

July 20 to Sep 30, 2008

My experience with VIN could not have been better. Arriving, I was slightly apprehensive as to the legitimacy of the project but it was 100 percent so, and Bhupi's personal greeting at the airport made me feel instantly taken care of.
Nepal itself is a crazy place for a foreigner to step into, but the support of VIN right from the start put me totally at ease, and the accompaniment of the organisation on a sight seeing day was great.

The actual experience at the monastery was unforgettable. Teaching English was far harder than I had imagined it would be, and there is a lot of work involved in order to teach effectively (especially when you cannot speak Nepali!) but the effort you have to put in just makes it all the more rewarding. I loved every minute of it and would recommend it to anyone looking for a unique experience.

Monastery Summer Program, 2008

I volunteered under VIN for one month in the International Buddhist Academy (IBA).VIN’s structure gives it a unique balance between spontaneity and rules, which is simply remarkable. Not only could I travel during the weekends with the other volunteers, I could also hold extra classes/consultation times with the monks during the day. Also, the freedom that VIN offers without compromising the volunteer’s security allows me to explore Nepal and her culture in their untainted forms. Of course, the straightforward but noble mission of VIN should also be mentioned. It just appeals to me how the staffs work tirelessly to realize their vision, and still can maintain a warm demeanour whenever I meet them.

What I truly enjoyed in my teaching experience in IBA is the receptivity of the students to learning. Since all my students are Buddhist philosophy graduates, they are open-minded to other topics like the environment, health and science. After English class, I would show them videos/documentaries about environmental problems and the latest scientific discoveries. The videos always blew their minds away! I would really miss those post-English discussions we held about the video we just watched. This kind of spontaneity gives freedom to the volunteer to give more than what is expected from him/her, and that is what I like best about VIN.

My experience couldn’t have been better. I was warmly welcomed when I arrived in Nepal, and VIN continued to support me throughout my time in the country even when I wasn’t volunteering!

I was motivated to work in the women’s empowerment program, and I was very impressed with the goals VIN had helped the women set. I was able to aid the much needed new staff in gathering information about the current situation faced by each group, so they could focus on the present needs of the individual groups giving them the attention they need. With the staff routinely checking up on all the groups to monitor progress and provide assistance in mitigating problems, I think future volunteers will likely be able to greatly help the groups when they come to volunteer for even a short amount of time.

I loved living in the community and being a part of a Nepalese family. From the moment I arrived at Teenpiple, Jitpur, I was a member of my host family, and of the community. Sometimes it was difficult to communicate with words (Nepali or English), but I could always feel the incredible Nepalese hospitality and love. Having a family to live with while volunteering was probably the main reason I didn’t get homesick!

I liked being involved with a number of VIN’s programs because it gave me a better picture of the whole organization. Each program needs volunteers, and I would recommend them to anyone interested in volunteering abroad.

“As a first time volunteer and lone traveller, I was understandably very nervous, but VIN offered me more than enough support and training to ensure I had a fantastic time throughout my stay and make me comfortable about the teaching aspect. The nuns themselves went out of their way to make sure I felt welcome, and were an absolute pleasure to teach! I recommend both Nepal and VIN to anyone thinking of doing voluntary work abroad.”

I have received a very warm welcome from the 1st day. All members of VIN Team provided me a good support for all of my stay. My host gfamily was very generous; I met extraordinary people overthere. My work with VIN was for short period of time. So I did a very quick overview of their community programs. I visited some Kindergarten Schools, Orphanage, women's group program who work in the field. I also did a little office work with helping them with the update of the child sponsorship at the website. It was a very rich experience!

After I had the chance to do the "Everest Base Camp Trek", VIN took care about all of the organization, it was the most amazing trek in my life! Thank you.

My experience with VIN has proven to be one of the best experiences I have had. With all of the numerous organizations to choose from, I was unsure at first that VIN would be what I was looking for. However after meeting the first day I knew I was in good hands and throughout my weeks I was extremely happy with VIN's willingness to help you have the best possible experience. They were very flexible, allowing me to experience a range of programs including trekking, monastery life, and the community setting. This allowed me to experience all of Nepal, not just a part. I met so many friendly people, all willing to help. My host family took me in as one of their own, and the monastery welcomed me from day I. All of my experiences and people I met will stay with me long after I've returned home to the US.

Volunteering with VIN has been one of the best experiences of my life.Everything from being met at the airport with a marigold necklace, to the induction which included sight-seeing some beautiful sites in Kathmandu, to being placed in the orphanage has been amazing.I have had the chance to volunteer in the office and get an understanding of how VIN works as a committed grass-roots organisation and get an insight into the fantastic work they do.

Working with VIN was a great way to get to know Nepal and find a way that suits you best in order to do some good along the way. The staff are very helpful and attentive, always able to fill needs when they arise. VIN does a great job orientating volunteers during their first few days while staying at a great hostel in Thamel.  

 There were always opportunities to do work that suited you best, so that you can contribute in the best way possible. Bhupi is a great guy trying to do the best he can to help people in Nepal. I highly recommend VIN and look forward to staying in touch over the years!

 Volunteering with VIN gave me the opportunity to learn about a different culture in a way you cannot when you go backpacking through a country. Because you are in such close contact with the people in the community, or in my case, the monastery, you learn about the cultural differences in a whole other way. It’s amazing. I was placed in a monastery and I learned a lot about Buddhism and about myself!

 

Other than that I have done some fundraising back home and the money is used to furnish 5 Early Childhood Development centres, to build 16 toilets in the community and to buy the Jitpur Youth Club some materials. VIN makes sure that the community comes up with their share of the amount needed to buy things. This way, hopefully, the community takes all the initiatives seriously, because they ‘own’ it as well. This way it’s sustainable. I don’t believe in pumping money into a community without the community having to contribute as well.

 

VIN makes sure the community contributes and sees the value of the help provided. It’s of utmost importance that VIN trains the community volunteers, who in return further train the community. Issues as health and sanitation, education and environment need to be addressed in the community. This should be an ongoing process. With one lecture nothing will change. I hope VIN follows up on their projects. Installing toilets is not enough.

 

The community needs to learn why to use the toilets, how to use the toilets and needs to actually use the toilets. I am very sorry my time with VIN was so short, because once started I noticed how much work needs to be done. I was only with VIN for 5 weeks, of which most of the time I was on the monastery. I would like to return and volunteer for VIN for a longer period of time. Taking one project (education) and work on that full time. Hopefully I can take some unpaid leave in the future and return to Nepal to ‘finish’ what I started. I am very curious about the ECD’s and how the teachers are using the information they were given in the teacher training.

The welcoming smiles, teamwork and energy present in VIN and the communities that VIN works with made this trip an unforgettable journey. All the staff are always working to keep you comfortable, and occupied.

 

Despite not being able to work at the health post as was arranged before arriving to Nepal, I was able to work with women and children on health awareness and especially, personal hygiene. Together with Om, we walked to distant villages, observed their ways of life, and then conducted open discussions with the communtiy members. This work made me realize that small things each volunteer does go a long way, and even though I had a short stay, I hope that the work I did will help future volunteers, so they are able to continue what I started.

 

In addition to the work done in the villages, I learned a lot from my family experience. My journey in Nepal was
truly made complete by the host family that was too kind and welcoming. It was great to share their lives and feel
such a strong connection with all the family members.Thank you VIN for giving me so much more than I could have
asked for!

 

Community Health Volunteer,

July 2009

Coming to Nepal for the first time, I was unsure what to expect of the country. On my first day I was completely bewildered by the crazy roads, the poverty and the new sounds and sights. However, I was soon introduced to the country by VIN’s friendly and helpful staff – showing me the main tourist areas of Kathmandu and helping me to find my feet culturally.  

 

I think VIN’s program introduction service was essential to the enjoyment of my stay; not only showing me the major sights of Kathmandu but also by teaching me some basics of the language. Although it may seem like it’s impossible to learn enough to get by, even a couple of phrases and words will help you massively in interacting with locals.

 

My placement itself, teaching English at a Buddhist monastery, was fantastic – a challenge and a joy. VIN was especially helpful in moving me from one monastery to another when I found out I would not be teaching so much in the first. VIN gave me regular checkups and were always ready to help out if I needed it. I would recommend to this organization to anyone wanting to volunteer in local communities or to simply explore a new country.

 

Nepal was the very first South Asian country I've ever been. Though I had a culture shock at first and was a little bit worried if I could survive in the different environment, I truly had meaningful experiences with VIN.

 

I could see how normal Nepalis live, what their government and NGOs like VIN do to improve the basic sanitation and health care system. And It was great to visit not only women groups but the monastery and schools.

For my last few days, I got a chance to collect useful home remedies and Child care information for women and children. I finished putting them in writing and hope that would be helpful.

 

I thank all staff members of VIN especially Om, the program officer who generously let me stay with her. Though I was an unexpected guest, her family members welcomed and treated me very well. I feel I’ve been close to strong and independent person through volunteering with VIN.

 

I recommend VIN to someone who wants motivation and unforgettable experience.   

 

VIN is a wonderful organization. Its entire staff works incredibly hard to help the marginalized communities of Nepal and provide an enjoyable and rewarding experience for volunteers. It was hard for me to be so far away form home in a country very different form my own, but the VIN staff did everything they could to make me feel comfortable. Kathmandu could be an exhausting city with the incessant car horns, mosquitoes, and humid weather, but it also offered some excellent sightseeing. The scenery of the Himalayas was incredible. The children at the orphanage were a joy. Everyone I met in Nepal was very caring and friendly.

 

 

From the 15th of July through August 1st , 2009 I volunteered with VIN in Technology Education. My goal was to give students, teachers and VIN staff tools to access knowledge, communicate, and work enhancement tools through Internet based programs. Having five computers to work with (one of which was my own), a good wireless connection and refreshing enthusiasm made for a successful experience all around!  On the agenda was setting up and learning how to use email, Google, Youtube, blogging, Wikis and social networking sites.  Teachers learned how to create a blog, and students developed their own Youth Club Wiki: http://jjyc.wikispaces.com/.    Facebook accounts were set up, and email addresses exchanged.  VIN staff learned about Google Docs and how to use social networking sites to communicate and connect with future volunteers / donors.   Our two weeks together were spent well, we connected and learned. 

 

In a way, Nepal felt like a real true home.  The country is full of extremes - symbolized in the mountains, and low lands, the poverty, as the life span averages at 60.   All people exude a great and wonderful warmth - spiritually from Hinduism to Buddhism.  Every Nepali person I met, felt like family.  And so, when I left, I felt as though I was departing from my family, it wasn’t easy to leave.  

 

Even so, once a VIN volunteer, always a VIN volunteer…my work, and connection to VIN will not stop.  I hope to connect a group of students in the Youth Club and Children’s club to students of mine in the US.  I plan to be in touch about helping VIN to raise funds, and to receive more technology.  Most importantly though, the lines of communication are open, and so we will work together.  

 

Namaste From Nepal! Mero Naam Narissa Puran ho.

For the past month, I have been working in Nepal as a Health intern. During this time I taught a 3 week health education class to students in grade 7-9 at Tarkeshwar Secondary English Boarding School in Jitpur, a marginalized community about 11 km out of Kathmandu. It was a great experience to be able to interact with the students and teach them about important health issues such as hygiene, disease transmission and basic safety and first aid. I learned a lot from having discussions and focus groups with the students and was so happy to see the students explain about what they learned in class and from group projects we conducted. The teachers and staff in the school I worked at were also so kind and helpful to me.

 

I had a chance to conduct a session with 2 women¡¦s groups in the community to teach them about reproductive health and breast and cervical cancer.  The women were very interested and asked many questions about these issues. It was an invaluable experience for me to do this and I hope to come back and work with them sometime in the future.

 

As part of my internship experience, I also learned about health service delivery at the health post in the community and a private hospital in Kathmandu. It was very educational for me to learn about the types of treatment and common diseases found in patients at health facilities in Nepal.

 

In addition to the experience I gained through my internship work, I also had a great and memorable experience staying at host family in the community. The people were very kind and welcoming and I felt almost at home for the time I spent in Nepal. They are such wonderful people!

 

I would definitely recommend VIN  because they have given me such a fulfilling experience both in learning about the Nepali health system and experiencing the rich and admirable culture of the Nepali people. Jai Nepal ho

 

My placement with VIN was at the Karma Ghedin Onsa Choekerling nunnery about 40 minutes outside of Kathmandu.I signed up for a 4 weeks stay, which included the training period in which we got orientated about Nepali culture and language.

 

After training, I went to my placement, which was a small nunnery in the cleanmountain air. The nuns are very curious and I found them very enthusiastic to study and learn.I only taught two classes a day, but would hear then practising each night and they did a lot of effort. I grew very attached to them very quickly and am already making plans to come back as soon as possible. VIN’s support was excellent throughout and they were always there to help with any obstacle that occurred or to advise on treks and travel.

 

It was an excellent experience highly recommendable to everyone who would like to experience Nepali and Buddhist culture firsthand.

 

Buddhist Nurrery Volunteer

Sep 1 - 28, 2009

To some the idea of working in a Buddhist monastery in Nepal might seem a little like an exotic fairytale. After having discovered that through VIN it was indeed a possibility I instantly signed up for a 6 week placement in Nepal. After arriving it was immediately apparent that Nepal is a visually spectacular and emotionally overwhelming country with a huge amount to offer!    

 

 After having been given an initial ‘crash course’ in both Nepalese language and culture I was placed in a Buddhist Monastery outside Pharping approximately an hour and a half’s drive from Kathmandu. Once there, I found myself teaching English to monks ranging from the ages of 8 to 22. It was at this point that I begun to realise what a fantastic and enriching experience my visit would turn out to be.    

 

During my stay in Nepal, I taught approximately 140 Buddhist monks in classes of about 40 often outdoors in a field next to the monastery. This was an incredible experience. When not teaching I would practice mediation and play football, frisbee and Bak Chal (Nepalese board game) with the Lopans (teachers) and my students. Every morning I was awoken without fail at 5am to the sounds of the monastery at Puja (prayer), which although strange and a little overwhelming at first is something I shall look back upon with fond memories.

 

However, the monastic life was only one aspect of my stay in Nepal. Working with VIN offered the opportunity to explore what Nepal has to offer with the other volunteers you work with. During my time, I visited places such as Bhaktapur and Patan, which have squares offering one the chance to see some of the ancient architecture and culture in Nepal.  In addition, I went trekking in the Annapurna’s (Area of the Himalayas) where I saw some spectacular mountain scenery and local Nepalese village life and relaxed in the picturesque city of Pokora, which is on the shores of lake Phewa. Furthermore, I decided to seize the opportunity to do one of the highest bungee jumps in the world along with some canyoning and white water rafting! The rest of my time away from the monastery was spent with the other volunteers enjoying the many bars and restaurants found within the bustling (though highly touristy) streets of Tamel in Kathmandu.      

 

Overall, Nepal is a country of spectacular beauty, striking poverty and opportunities to do something new everywhere you look. Working in a Buddhist monastery provides an incredible insight into Tibetan Buddhism and has allowed me to learn a great deal about the way monastic life really works. My time here has been truly fantastic and I have enjoyed every minute of it. Nepal really is a very special place.   

 

Buddhist Monastery Placement

Sep 15 to Nov 1, 2009

My name is Lynelle. What’s your name?   I have been in Nepal now for three weeks. I came here by myself but I have not been alone. I am living in the Tibet Peace Guest House in Kathmandu, which is functioning as home base for all the VIN volunteers. Some of us are staying here and some come down on the weekend from placements in Buddhist monasteries, orphanages or host families in the village of Jitpur. The volunteers are from all over the world, but we are a family here. We have travelled from the US, Canada, Mexico, UK, Belgium, Bulgaria, Norway, Japan, South Africa, Australia and Tasmania. I have already been to four parties since I arrived: a birthday party (with no electricity, we sang songs while one volunteer played his mandolin), a going away party ( I learned how to play Bagh Chal, a game like chess but with tiger and goat playing pieces…guess what the tigers are supposed to do to the goats…), a big Dasain party at the VIN office (comparable to an office Christmas party back home, but with goat for dinner and dancing to Nepali disco music) and a house party to receive Tika (a blessing involving getting your forehead coated with a concoction of red pigment, yoghurt and rice).  

 

I am becoming good friends with Jenny, who owns a café and bakery in England called The Fine Food Store. Jenny and I have been together just about every day. Because of our business experience, we have been persuaded to stay in Kathmandu and work in the VIN office instead of living in the project community. We have been writing and editing documents for incoming volunteers, presentations, brochures, solicitations for sponsorship and discussing the organization’s strategic plan. I have also been asked to conduct a staff workshop on writing proposals in English. Our contributions are especially useful to the organization, as many of the other volunteers are young and lack professional experience. At the Dasain party, it was determined that I was the oldest person there, including the VIN staff and board members. So now I am “Didi” which means “older sister” and all the board members have declared themselves my brothers. My Nepalese “family” keeps growing the longer I stay.  

 

My husband arrives tomorrow, so he will join the family here. I know that his experience here would not be complete without spending time in the project community. So I have arranged for the office to do without me for a week so we can go to Jitpur. We will be taking over the post of another couple who left last week. We will be high up in the hills staying with a host family. During the day, we will be doing educational activities with local kids in an Early Childhood Development Center. Coloring, painting, singing songs and playing games will seem like a fun holiday after the serious work I have been doing for the last three weeks. All this entertainment will not come without a price; village life here is extremely primitive. Bathing will be done with cold mountain water from a spout. There may or may not be electricity on any given day. Eating Daal Bhaat (rice and lentils) for every meal. Being eaten by mosquitoes at night. One of the volunteers recently woke up with a rat on his face. Tigers are a real threat at night; one of the VIN orphanages lost their pet dog to a tiger two weeks ago (poor doggie).  

 

A village teacher told us the story of how he was walking down the road and saw a tiger in front of him. He was so afraid that he just fainted right there in front of the tiger. When he woke up, he was still in one piece and the tiger was gone. I guess the tiger wasn’t in the mood to eat chicken!  

 

I have been to the village twice already and the folks there are very welcoming and friendly. The kids are so excited to talk to visitors and follow you around asking lots of questions about you and where you live. They love the opportunity to practice their English and think it’s really cool when you can speak some Nepali. When visiting someone’s house, you sit on the front porch and have a cup of dhudh chiya (tea with milk and spices), some fresh-made yoghurt or spears of fresh-picked cucumbers with salt (women cut them by balancing a sickle-shaped knife on the ground with their feet and pushing the cucumber across the blade). After a few weeks of the chaos, noise, traffic, dust, and sheer crush of people in Kathmandu, I am truly looking forward to a week of quiet in the village…and a juicy piece of fresh cucumber.  

 

Community and Office Administrative

Sep 13 to Oct 22, 2009

VIN has kindly supported me throughout my placement.I  want to thank to all staffs especially, Babita for academic advice and Shyam for language help. VIN is an organisation which possess comprehensive goal which is truly for marginalised locals and that’s what attracts international volunteers the most. I am hoping to come back to Nepal and work in the women’s empowerment project again within a measurable period of time.

 

Sep 1 to Oct 28, 2009

Women's empowerment internship

The first day I arrived in Nepal, I’ll admit I was terrified. I concealed it though, the insanity of Kathmandu traffic, being lost in Thamel and being harassed by hundreds of drug dealers were experiences after all.I had no Idea what the next three months had install for me. I did not even conceive that this was to be one of the most eye opening and goal reaffirming experiences of my life.

I have a great deal to thank VIN for, if not for VIN I would not have met a group of people who have become amazing friends, amongst them a passionate Belgian lawyer, an exceptionally compassionate Canadian social justice teacher, an incredibly warm and friendly English/Bulgarian couple, a Mexican Okrah king and an Aussie akin to me; amongst many others, all of which made my stay so fulfilling.

I thank VIN for this connection, being a stranger in a strange land can be daunting, but under these circumstances fierce friendships are made, and I know that those close to me in Nepal will always mean a lot to me. The things I have experienced… from the nightlife of Kathmandu; tequila rounds and reggae bars, to my Annapurna Trek of the Himalayas; and the amazing quiet and peace of that place, the monsoon rains and tea houses in the hill sides, the goats, the buffaloes, the holy cows, going up a mountain on a motorbike with a monk, canoeing and bathing under waterfalls, sipping incredible coconut smoothies in Pokhara, bungee jumping at 160 meters, Jitpur; being woken at the crack of dawn my a mad rooster, riding upon the roofs of the rural buses through the lush green hills of the Kathmandu outskirts, witnessing the Dashain ritual and the slaughter of the goats, delicious masala tea, addictive chilli dal bhat, countless games of Bagh Chal with Nepali old men, playing soccer with young boys and girls, meditating in Asura cave, and my pilgrimage to the birth place of the Buddha.

I have more to thank VIN for, Palyul Urgen Dorjee Chholing Gumba, my Buddhist Monastery in Pharping – just outside of Kathmandu – became my home in Nepal. It was a place of swaying prayer flags, young monks playing, older monks practicing lama dance, teaching English and playing games with a hundred monk students under a tree in the hills of Pharping, and a sense of peace and serenity that left me awe inspired from my first morning and still makes my smile today, upon my last.

My days consisted of being woken at five by the roaring chant and rolling drums of Puja (morning prayer), running through the beautiful foot hills of Pharping, reading, studying and relaxing in a secluded glade of my own, taking tea in the village with the llamas and walking up to the monastery under a star strewn sky, showering from a bucket, playing Frisbee with laughing young monks, teaching 150 students under a tree in the hills, playing soccer upon a plateau in the forest, becoming ridiculously addicted to Bagh Chal (a Nepali board game) and meditating in the beautifully decorated silent rooms.

These experiences I would trade for nothing, there is nothing now I regret, and these were the best of days in which I really understood the message of Buddhism and Taoism. Be content. Do what comes naturally. Be compassionate. Be loving. Be open to new experiences. Everything passes, so all the more reason to treasure it. I have been all of these things here and have found my experiences to have enriched my life, altered my perspective and strengthened my resolutions and passions in life. Every moment has helped me along my path. Without hesitation, I urge you to go, if you are seeking something, longing for something bizarrely different and exceptional, or if you’re a compassionate soul out to help out; In Hunters words: buy the ticket, take the ride. I’ve gained more from these days than can ever be returned.

My placement at VIN literally changed my life. I know that we have all heard this sentiment over and over again, but truly, the passion and enthusiasm of the members of VIN is inspirational. They maintain a great level of hope which translates into meaningful change. I am committed to the empowerment of marginalized communities because VIN proves that lives can be changed… even in a small way.  

 

 I am blessed to have had the opportunity to work with other volunteers in the Women’s Empowerment Program, to live with Sailadai and my WONDERFUL Nepali family, and to really experience the culture of Nepal!  

 

I will miss you all SO much! Thank you, thank you for this experience. You are special people and I will pray for your work every day!

 

Volunteering with VIN was a great way for me to feel at home in a new country. VIN is making a noble effort to bring positive change to Nepal and, from my experience I can say that VIN volunteers are appreciated and checked in with regularly by the VIN staff. I was working in a town about an hours bus ride outside of Kathmandu with a rural population of farmers.

In the day time I helped with sustainable farming related projects and in the evenings I helped with two English classes. I lived in a volunteer house with between four and eight other people. A Nepali cook came to prepare two meals a day, and a translator would come to help us talk with the villagers.

The people I met were very friendly and the location is beautiful. I felt free to take time off from volunteering to explore Nepal, but there is also always work to be done. I feel sad to be leaving this place where people have treated me so well these last three months. I hope you will enjoy volunteering with VIN!

Luke  Grossmiller,

USA, Agroforestry Volunteer 

Oct 1 - Dec 22, 2009

Nepal is a country that has always fascinated me. With some of the highest mountains in the world, green valleys and a rich cultural life, Nepal was a country that I definitely had to see. After having studied development studies it was also a relevant choice as Nepal is one of the poorest countries in the world. However, from my experience I could also call it one of the richest countries in the world. Not only has in a lot of offer for tourists, but I also find the people of Nepal extremely welcoming and kind.  

I spent 10 weeks working with VIN on their Women Empowerment program. While I was here I got to observe and learn more about how VIN is empowering women through women group and the soon to be credit cooperative which will provide the women with smaller loans. Walking, or shall I say climbing, through the community, talking and drinking tea with the members must be one of my favourite memories.

Volunteering with VIN is a great way of experiencing Nepal. Living with local family in Jitpur was a truly amazing experience that I will never forget and its a good way to learn about their culture and way of living. In addition I've made lifelong friends that I know I can visit when I come back to Nepal. It's a magical place so one visit is not enough!  

Hanne Jorstad, Norway

Women Empowerment

Sep 15 - Nov 20, 2009

 

We found VIN through their website and immediately got interested on the monastery program since it seemed a unique experience. The choice of VIN was based upon its outstanding organization and high-quality on-line material. And as soon as we arrived in Kathmandu, our expectations were proved right. We were provided the basic information about the culture, the language and teaching techniques. Throughout our stay we also got support in many other issues such as extending our VISAs, placement and tours around Nepal. 

Regarding our experience at the Buddhist monastery, we were immersed in an utterly different cultural environment. We were waken up by the pujas (their daily worship), ate dal-bhat (rice and pulse) and went to bed as early as 8PM. Besides that the monks were really friendly and welcoming making us feel very comfortable. The classes were amusing for the children were funny and eager to learn. Summing up, teaching at a Buddhist monastery was quite rewarding and we definitely recommend it.

Monastery Volunteers

Jan 15 to Feb 13, 2010

Fleuri Arruda 

Guilherme Major

 Lucas Gomes  

I recently decided to take a career break and after some serious research I stumbled across the VIN website.  Although I’d looked at numerous volunteering opportunities I decided to trust my instincts and run with VIN.  I’m pleased to be able to say that from day one both they my placement have delivered well above my expectations.  

 
After six months and too many interesting/crazy experiences to list, I’ve had one of the most satisfying and diverse experiences of my life.  I decided early on that I wanted to teach and VIN placed me in a local secondary school about fourteen kilometres outside Kathmandu.  I taught English to Grand 6, 7 & 8 classes and although it was a daily challenge it has proved to be the most rewarding things that I’ve ever done.  Nepalese people in general are amazingly friendly and needless to say their children are equally charming.  I stayed with a local family in the village and couldn’t have wished for a better home stay! The cold showers took a bit of getting used to, but the food was great and they made me genuinely feel that I was part of the family.   

As an organisation VIN is comprised of a dedicated team of people who really care about what they do and have real drive and direction.  Nepal is a wonderful place but it has many issues that it needs volunteers to help with. Anyone that is thinking about volunteering should definitely consider working with VIN as you will have a genuine opportunity to help improve peoples lives whilst at the same time getting a great travel/life experience yourself.  Good luck!  
 

James Kirk , UK,

Teaching English at Community School,

Aug 15, 2009 to Feb 16, 2010

I worked with VIN for four and a half months on the women’s empowerment program. I chose to work with VIN because I wanted to work with a grassroots organization that had close ties to its constituent community and offered the opportunity to live with a local family.  

My experience of volunteering at Kavre Deaf School Banepa

 

Volunteering at Kavre Deaf School Banepa has been the most amazing and rewarding experience. Kavre Deaf School is located in Banepa, about 35km from Kathmandu. There are approximately 40 children at the school. I stayed with a homestay family in the village and taught English and computer skills at the deaf school. I have met the most inspirational people. Everyone was so welcoming and made me feel a part of their deaf community. I loved teaching – each day was so much fun and full of laughter! The children are so talented and have taught me so much about the Nepali culture, art and craft, dancing and the Nepali deaf culture. During my time at the school I attended festivals, local fairs and art and craft education programs with the children. The homestay is a wonderful opportunity to experience the Nepali culture and form close friendships.  

 

Nepali sign language is fun and easy to learn. I came to Nepal knowing no Nepali sign language, and after 2 months I could understand almost everything. I would recommend future volunteers to learn the American one handed alphabet before coming to Nepal, as this is used the school.  

 

There is so much to be done for the Deaf community in Nepal. The school is in great need of volunteers to help with the development of the deaf community and deaf rights. Nepal’s deaf population is one of the highest in the world with 16-24% of the total population deaf and only 1% having access to education. Few of the deaf population have access to sign language, and only few are able to attend the limited number of deaf schools. Deaf students often travel several hours each way to attend school.

 

There is no curriculum designed for deaf learners and there are no universities for deaf people in Nepal or provision of interpreters. There are limited employment opportunities, negative views of the deaf community and limited access to education and transportation for deaf people – volunteering is really a way for you to help make a difference. Teaching the children skills; like English, computer skills, photography skills, will help these children have a better future. The school is in great need of laptop computers and any other teaching resources – everything is really appreciated and will make a huge impact to improve the children’s education.   This really was the most incredible experience - I would come back tomorrow!

 

I recommend volunteering at the Deaf School to everyone!!   Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.   Danielle Cheeseman - AUSTRALIA

My volunteering placement was in Computer Technology. I spent two weeks working in a local youth centre, and two weeks in the VIN office. During this period I was residing with a host family in Tinpiple, a small village in the Jitpur provincial area north of Kathmandu.

The experience of teaching and living in the village was both challenging and rewarding, which is exactly what the purpose was. Working at the Youth Centre I developed a good relationship with students and the staff, as well as at VIN office. It was a wonderful experience to get to know local students, local staff as well as people in the village. My host family were exceptionally generous and kind to me. The challenges associated with such an environment were challenges I am very happy to say I met.

Living and working in Nepal is unlike any other country I have resided in. While only a small country (compared to their neighbours), they do have a strong sense of national identity. They understand themselves very well, and certainly have a strong sense of community that I do not see as much in my home country.

A wonderful experience I would thoroughly recommend for anyone who is looking to make a difference, be challenged and enjoy the wonderful hospitality of the Nepali people.

VIN is an original, authentic ‘grass roots’, credible, organised and professional organisation. VIN staff are highly competent and dedicated to their cause.

Camden Stephenson,

United Kingdonm 

April 15 to May 13, 2010