Volunteer in Nepal – Child Care: Early Childhood Education Centers:
Early childhood education is the most significant period of learning for every human being, establishing the cognitive, emotional, and social foundation upon which each child builds his or her future. Studies show that children who are nurtured in an enhanced atmosphere, with plenty of new involvements that engage their senses, have more active brains than those who grow up lacking sufficient sensory stimulation. As a result, these children are more likely to grow up healthier and have higher self-esteem.
A 2019 UNICEF report on the impact of early childhood education, reported that Nepal was a leader in this area. Following a nationwide survey on child development undertaken in Nepal in 2014, the authors concluded that children aged 3 to 5 years engaged in Early Childhood Education Programs were 17 times more likely to be on track in their introductory early learning and number skills, even after excluding the effects of numerous socio-economic factors. However, Nepal’s national education budget allocation is less than 3% to pre-primary education, severely impacting the development opportunities for children in the early stages of their education. So VIN’s voluntary service for child care – early childhood education has been very impactful in the rural communities of Nepal
People in Nepal have limited awareness of the importance of Early Childhood Education and limited access to resources. Although the government of Nepal, on several occasions, has encouraged communities to set up Early Childhood Education centers (ECD). Institutions such as local schools become nearly inaccessible for many local people due to the scattered nature of rural villages. As a result, most children spend their early childhood at home, without play material, acquiring little or no communicative or social skills. VIN has set up these childcare early childhood education centers in the much-needed communities. Volunteer teachers have become meaningful support for these childcare early childhood education development centers.
what are the goals of a child development program?
Our goal is to ensure the overall development of children and their preparation for primary education.
VIN believes that early childhood development is vital to creating an empowered community. VIN has set up 55 Child Care: Early Childhood Education Centres in underprivileged, rural communities to give children aged 3 to 5 years the start they need in life. We aim to improve access for all children aged 3 to 5 years to the Child Care – Early Childhood Project. Additionally, we aim to increase the impact of early childhood education in schools through developing motor-neuron, mental, emotional and social skills of children.
As part of VIN’s Children’s Development Program, we have set up forty Early Childhood Education centers across three separate districts in Nepal, with plans to extend this further. We have also subsidized and trained childcare volunteer teachers to work in the centers, ensuring that their approach is fun, creative, and effective at establishing a positive learning environment.
what are the goals of a child development program?
Our goal is to ensure the overall development of children and their preparation for primary education.
VIN believes that early childhood development is vital to creating an empowered community. VIN has set up 55 Child Care: Early Childhood Education Centres in underprivileged, rural communities to give children aged 3 to 5 years the start they need in life. We aim to improve access for all children aged 3 to 5 years to the Child Care – Early Childhood Project. Additionally, we aim to increase the impact of early childhood education in schools through developing motor-neuron, mental, emotional and social skills of children.
As part of VIN’s Children’s Development Program, we have set up forty Early Childhood Education centers across three separate districts in Nepal, with plans to extend this further. We have also subsidized and trained childcare volunteer teachers to work in the centers, ensuring that their approach is fun, creative, and effective at establishing a positive learning environment.
what are the goals of a child development program?
Our goal is to ensure the overall development of children and their preparation for primary education.
VIN believes that early childhood development is vital to creating an empowered community. VIN has set up 55 Child Care: Early Childhood Education Centres in underprivileged, rural communities to give children aged 3 to 5 years the start they need in life. We aim to improve access for all children aged 3 to 5 years to the Child Care – Early Childhood Project. Additionally, we aim to increase the impact of early childhood education in schools through developing motor-neuron, mental, emotional and social skills of children.
As part of VIN’s Children’s Development Program, we have set up forty Early Childhood Education centers across three separate districts in Nepal, with plans to extend this further. We have also subsidized and trained childcare volunteer teachers to work in the centers, ensuring that their approach is fun, creative, and effective at establishing a positive learning environment.
At VIN, we welcome volunteers and interns who will support us to develop the potential of young children in our communities. Our volunteers are enthusiastic and flexible, assisting with the teaching of basic level English Language and Mathematics in our child care: Early Childhood Education centres. As well as helping to prepare the children for basic primary education, you will help the children develop social life skills, good health, hygiene and sanitation habits.
During your volunteer placement, you will be based in one of the VIN’s working communities of Kathmandu, Okhaldhunga or Nuwakot. You will be accommodated with a Nepali host family, providing you with an insight into Nepali culture and immersing you in day to day Nepali life.
The volunteer at Child Care:
Early Childhood Education centers will do one or more of the following activities:
- Teach at Early Childhood Education development centres, focusing on a basic level of English and Mathematics.
- Encourage creative exploration through art activities, boosting cognitive development in children.
- Plan and deliver entertaining and information sessions on health, hygiene and sanitation.
- Help children learn, practice and develop positive social and emotional skills.
- Facilitate frequent constructive and enjoyable game sessions.
- Create meaningful and language-rich activities to boost language learning.
- Conduct musical activities.
- Provide child care support if and when necessary.
- Develop children’s motor, mental, emotional and social skills via practical activities.
- Supervise soft sports activities.
- Provide training and workshops for teachers – if possible.
- Develop and enhance kindergarten approaches.
Project Specific Skills
- Highly motivated to work with young children.
- Willing to develop interesting and enjoyable content for children.
- Proficient in conducting workshops and training sessions.
- Good facilitation and engagement skills.
- Previous experience in Montessori or Early Childhood Education will be an added asset.
Desirable/ Common Skills
- Excellent communicator with good interpersonal skills
- A team player with good workethics
- Time management and leadership qualities
- Adaptable, flexible and able to work under pressure
- Accepting of different ideas and culture
- Problem solving: always be part of solutions than part of a problem
- Creative
- Positive attitude
Requirements
- Gender: Female / Male
- Minimum Age: 18+ years (16-17 years old person can volunteer but need to present parents’/ guardian’s consent letter)
- Language:English (Intermediate)
- Educational:High School Graduate
Your Experience/ Setting
Upon your arrival at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), you will receive a warm welcome and be transported to your hotel or hostel. If you are already in Nepal before the start of your placement, we can make alternative arrangements for you. You will undergo a comprehensive two- to three-day induction program after arrival. This induction will provide valuable information about your project and general information about the Nepalese language, culture, health, safety, and security. It is also an excellent opportunity to connect with fellow volunteers and interns who can become your companions for sightseeing and a source of support throughout your volunteer placement.
During the induction period, you will be accommodated in a budget hotel or hostel arranged by VIN. However, most of the VIN experience involves living with a Nepalese host family. While this immersion is essential for a complete experience, we understand that it can be challenging as you adapt to a new culture and adjust to facilities that may be more basic than you are accustomed to. Don’t worry; all our host families have experience accommodating volunteers, although their English-speaking abilities may vary. Also, you will have 24-hour access to our staff members for support and assistance throughout your placement.
Volunteers will be assigned to one of VIN’s working areas, which include Tarakeshor Municipality in Kathmandu, Taluwa, Thulachhap, and Bhadaure in Okhaldhunga, and Okharpouwa and Kaule in the Nuwakot district. While at the working site, volunteers are requested to bring their lunch box, water bottle, safety gear, face mask, and any other essential belongings. We advise volunteers to dress comfortably and modestly, preferably with long sleeves. Please get in touch with us for guidance and support if you want to raise project funds or collect project-specific resources. This will help the community a lot.
Schedule and Commitment
You will work five to six days a week, up to six hours per day. You may propose your preferred time and hours; however, the working time period will be dependent on the institution you have been placed. A minimum of 2 weeks’ time commitment is expected of a volunteer. The longer you commit; the better impact you can make. You should be willing to commit a certain amount of your free time and energy, show a lot of commitment and be a good listener. You are expected to work constructively and co-operatively maintaining good reputation and standards at all times. Volunteer should abide by relevant security concerns and access procedures. Moreover, you should be receptive and positive to performance appraisal, advice and feedback. Throughout your placement, you will have the full support of VIN. Your safety is our highest priority.
Your typical day might look like this:
| 07:00-08:00 | Tea/Leisure Time |
| 08:00-09:00 | Breakfast/Brunch (Nepali meal – Daal-Bhaat) |
| 09:00-10:00 | Preparation for sessions/Travel to venue |
| 10:00-13:00 | Conduct class |
| 13:00-14:00 | Lunch (Packed lunch) |
| 15:00-17:00 | Conduct class |
| 17:00-20:00 | Preparation for next day/Leisure time |
| 20:00-21:00 | Dinner (Nepali meal – Daal-Bhaat) |
You will receive a clear and concise on-the-job instructions, course of action, context of work and policies/strategies before your placement begins. You will be provided with ample of guidance and support throughout the placement with trainings / onboarding sessions incase necessary. You will be in a constant communication and regular check-in with the VIN volunteer coordinator. VIN aims to maintain a culture of continuous feedback between the volunteer supervisor at the placement to monitor the performance of the volunteer and ensure the project delivers desired outcomes.
In case of an emergency, you may contact one of our Volunteer Coordinators who will be available anytime for your assistance and support.
Click here to Learn more on how volunteering works
Mid and Long Term Volunteers:
2 weeks minimum stay- € 350
3 weeks – 450€
4 weeks – 550€ (after 4th week, for each additional week €85)
University Internships:
4 weeks minimum stay- € 650 (for each additional week – €95
Click here to Learn what’s included and excluded in our Fees Section
Click here to Learn recruitment process on how volunteering works
Our projects are open year-round, and our inductions begin on the first and third Mondays of each month. We would like to ask that volunteers arrive one day before the start of the induction. You can choose the duration of your participation based on your available time. However, so that you know, our volunteering placements are limited. We highly recommend booking your placement in advance to secure your placement. Click here to apply.
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