Nepal is a developing country still tackling deeply rooted political issues, after the effects of a decade conflict, frequent natural calamities and more socio-economic concerns. Marginalized communities are facing a large number of social problems such as child labor, illiteracy, caste system, gender disparity, superstitions etc. These problems are often ignored or neglected due to insufficient awareness, support and expertise.
Journalism in Nepal has often been criticized for being biased or not fact based. Nepal is in need of a credible and impartial form of journalism that is well researched, journalism that is able to deliver real news supported with facts.
It is important for the people of Nepal to be provided with the information they require to make the best probable judgement about their lives, communities and governments. Various studies show that free press and autonomous journalism in developing countries is vital to encourage growth. A print journalism internship in Nepal gives you the opportunity to help meet this challenge, by providing various sources to investigate and report on.
The major goal of the Print Journalism project is to produce research-based feature news stories and articles on current social issues while providing a platform and opportunity for journalism students to put their academic knowledge into practice. This two-fold goal will give you a real life opportunity while helping increase VIN’s visibility and making people aware of the current issues faced by our marginalized community groups.
The three main focus areas of journalism internships in Nepal are – community development, women’s empowerment and poverty eradication. These key areas, provide themes that can enrich your print journalism in Nepal. Through the print journalism internship project, you will be contributing your potential in some of the most vulnerable communities of Kathmandu, Nuwakot and Okhaldhunga in Nepal – By raising public awareness and perceptions of important social issues currently existing within these communities.
Additionally, the project enables interns or volunteers to develop a portfolio of work in an international context. The project is conducted in partnership with Spotlight Magazine which ensures that you get an insight into how any publication is run.
As a journalist volunteer, you will research, write, edit, proofread and file news stories, features, interviews and articles to VIN and their media partners. Your journalism placement in Nepal, may involve: reading communication contents, researching articles, establishing and maintaining contacts, interviewing sources like community / project stakeholders, writing, editing, attending events, proofreading, verifying statements and facts, liaising with staff, volunteers, designers and photographers.
During your print journalism volunteer and internship placement you will live with a Nepali host family in one of our working areas namely Nuwakot, Kathmandu or Okhaldhunga. This will ensure you become immersed in Nepali culture and language, which will enrich your experience and indirectly assist your work. The print journalism volunteer or intern will do one or more of the following activities:
- Collect and analyze facts about newsworthy events by interview, investigation, or observation.
- Report and write feature stories for our websites, news magazine etc.
- Create stories and breaking news through different channels such as online news sites, VIN’s social media, websites and printed magazines.
- Research and write success stories, case studies.
- Identify influential people and explore their perspective on the issues communities face such as, gender issues, caste system, quality education, youth leadership, climate change, social justice, poverty.
- Support online content editing, posting.
Project Specific Skills
- Education / work background in Print Journalism.
- Interview and research skills.
- Passionate about writing.
- Enthusiasm, Stamina, Determination, Confidence, Perseverance
- Excellent oral and written skills
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- You need to manage your own photographic equipment (Laptop, camera, lightening equipment etc.) if you want to use visual images on your articles.
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 |
| 10:00-13:00 | Content preparation |
| 13:00-14:00 | Lunch (Packed lunch) |
| 15:00-17:00 | Work with the publication house |
| 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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