In Nepal, it has been said that ‘children are a majority in statistics, but a minority in social status’. According to the 2008 Nepal Labour Force Survey (NLFS), children aged between 5 and 17 represent 33% of Nepal’s total population. Of this child population, 40.4% may be classified as being in employment, with almost 51% of those in employment falling into the category of child labour.
Despite these large numbers, children in Nepal remain a marginalised and voiceless section of society. They have often been victimised, subjected to ill-treatment, sexual abuse and even torture, whilst a significant number of children continue to live under either insecurity and instability, or both, facing risks of further violations of their rights. Child trafficking is yet another area that needs serious attention. The rights of children are often highly neglected across Nepal, in different regions, communities, religious and ethnic groups.
Our goal is to ensure that every child is protected and children’s rights are being practiced in communities.
VIN believes that the equal access to education, protection and promotion of children’s rights and the holistic development of children are essential. It is important to us that, as an organization, we encourage children to go to school, to develop skills for life and learn about their rights as children. Together with the Children’s Development Officer, volunteers will establish links with local schools to educate and discuss issues of the abuse of children and children’s rights.
VIN realizes that more can be done to safeguard children from violence, abuse, manipulation, mistreatment and desertion at various levels. Our volunteers and interns will support and act as advocates on issues regarding child protection, helping to raise awareness among the children regarding their rights and a zero tolerance approach to child exploitation. Contributing to the Child Protection Project provides volunteers with a unique opportunity to directly impact Nepali children, through raising awareness directly with the various stake holders. You could also assist in strengthening school-based children’s clubs, as well as working at the municipal level with the child protection division, in order to be more effective and efficient in terms of implementing child protection plans and programs.
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 child protection volunteer will do one or more of the following activities:
- Create content for child protection training, as well as facilitate and deliver workshops to children to develop life skills and educate them about their rights
- Work with school to develop child friendly spaces
- Develop literature such as leaflets, newsletters and articles
- Conduct research on the status of children in a particular community
- Assist and motivate children’s clubs and support the leaders and members
- Develop and establish links with local schools authorities to talk about child abuse and other issues facing children in Nepal
- Conduct research on the issues related to child protection in Nepal
Project Specific Skills
- Proficient in conducting workshops and awareness camps
- Familiarity with children’s rights
- Knowledge of research methodologies
- Good facilitation and presentation skills
- Awareness of child protection policies
- Previous experience working or volunteering with children could 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 the school |
| 10:00-13:00 | Deliver training sessions/Workshops |
| 13:00-14:00 | Lunch (Packed lunch) |
| 15:00-17:00 | Deliver sessions/Extracurricular activities with children |
| 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.
Gallery
Member of