Why VIN

VIN is one of the few organizations currently operating in Nepal whose mission serves to directly empower Nepali youths and promote a greater sense of volunteerism in Nepal. Our programs operate year-round and overseas volunteers can be satisfied in contributing to an organization that is working to improve the quality of life of Nepali peoples— with an emphasis on improving education for marginalized groups such as women and children. This means that:

You will be making a sustainable difference in the most marginalized communities. You’ll take part in structured programmes where you’ll have the opportunity to contribute, together with VIN onsite team, in achieving a lasting difference for your target community’s shared vision.

Overseas volunteers will form part of an already existing local network of volunteers and have the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in Nepali culture and life.

Through our focus on improving educational systems, volunteers have a unique opportunity to contribute to planning, organizing, and shaping the programs, thereby contributing in a meaningful and rewarding manner.

• Program fees, except operation and administrative expenses while you are volunteering, will go directly towards supporting our local programs and activities. There is no large overhead to support, or an internationally based NGO to which fees are paid. You can be satisfied knowing that you are directly assisting the local community. No other short-term international volunteer program has such a presence in the community-centred approach toward volunteering abroad.

• To most effectively support you and the local projects we work with, VIN is part of the community, working in partnership with grassroots organizations. We take our work very seriously. We are committed to excellence in everything we do. After all, this is what every volunteer and each local community we work with deserves.

• Our dedicated staff are attentive to your needs throughout your volunteering period, and ongoing communication and support will ensure that volunteers feel not only safe but comfortable in their placements and in Nepal in general.

• Our community placement is located among some magnificent hills near the mystical Nagarjun forest, where the Buddhist philosopher and teacher Nagarjuna is said to have attained enlightenment. Surrounded by hills, trees, and crops like rice paddies and cornfields, volunteers will experience the natural beauty for which Nepal has come to be famous.

Some Other Reasons for Choosing VIN:

• To make your volunteering period most affordable and memorable.

• To immerse yourself in Nepali communities; learn Nepali lifestyles, culture, language, etc., and share your culture with them.

• To work with children, women, youths and teachers directly, and participate in their life skills development.

• To take part in the infrastructure development of the community you work in.

• To be assured that your volunteering fees are used to help develop the community you work in.

• To have the ability to see tangible results come out of your efforts

We and our partners hope to achieve the following goals in Nepal:

• Make women from the disadvantaged communities self-reliant through a number of initiatives including education & life skills; entrepreneurship building & income generation; saving and credits groups through women’s cooperatives;
• Support and provide facilities facilitating the foundations of early childhood development. We run 55 early childhood education centres;
• Provide basic health services, education & infrastructures through volunteer & internship projects and community health centres;
• Forming Children’s clubs within schools: a supportive non-formal environment through which children can learn about their basic rights through creative activities;
• Helping children who have suffered as a result of the conflict in Nepal to regain access to education;
• Sponsoring education for the disadvantaged including orphans, victims of conflict and children from incapacitated families;
• Providing English language classes at youth clubs, with volunteer opportunities within their local community;
• Providing English teaching to schools and within Buddhist monasteries and nunneries;
• Monitoring education standards, through teacher development workshops, training, seminars;
• Implementing resources and providing health care professionals to raise community awareness about pertinent health issues;
• Establishing a Community Learning Centre (CLC) which is open to all, with the aim to eradicate illiteracy and develop the professional capacities of the Nepalese;
• Acquainting international volunteers with the riches of Nepali culture and ensuring a safe and memorable stay within a supportive environment;
• To provide safe affordable and structured volunteering in Nepal to support students and professionals.

Community-Based Volunteering in Nepal

All volunteers in Nepal participating in the community-based projects will have a day to day experience with a local host family. This unique cross-cultural experience is a great opportunity for volunteer immersion at a grassroots level and a chance to appreciate sharing the lifestyle of those you wish to help.