Meeting Stakeholders, Participation
Published on: 02 Aug 2021

Early Child Development (ECD) – Stakeholders’ meeting

On the 12th of July, we had a meeting with the Ward President, representatives from various political parties, headteachers, ECD teachers and other stakeholders at Chisankhu Gadi, rural municipality Ward No-6 Bhadaure, Okhaldhunga for the discussion 6 ECD project running by VIN. There were altogether 22 participants in the discussion program.  

Meeting Stakeholders, Participation - Volunteers Initiative Nepal >> News Updates
VIN’s president Mr Bhupendra Ghimire and staff  with the stakeholders

The agenda of the meeting was how to sustain VIN’s ECD-support for the long run. VIN has constructed classrooms, trained teachers, volunteers, provided resources and also paying salaries by the funding & technical support of PiSL. Our goal is to help local community or local government run these centers independently. In the meeting the ward president Krishna mentioned that there is no budget allocation by the local government yet. All the ECD stakeholders requested one more year support by VIN. So we agreed to fund one more year (until the mid-July 2022).  

We have formed an 11 members’ coordination committee representing all ECD centers. The committee will coordinate with the local government to ensure the funding of the center from next year.  

On the 14th of July, we had another ECD center of Taluwa and Thulachhap stakeholders’ meeting at NaraTikka Community Learning Centre (www.NTCLC.org). There were 23 participants presented in the meeting i.e. ECD Teachers, Head Teacher, Ward President, Parents, and School Management Committee. 

Participants, women,Teachers, Head Teacher, Ward President, Parents, and School Management Committee.
Participants presented in the ECD meeting

We discussed about how to sustain the VIN’s funded ECD. Taluwa president Kedar suggested to merge the Siddheswor ECD of Nalsu to Saptakanya ECD. If all ECD are run on school based structure, the government also supports Rs. 25 for lunch to each student. So we have decided to bring all community based ECD into school based ECD. This will also create pressure on the local government to fund ECD in the future. VIN will support only 3 ECD teachers’ salary of Taluwa and whereas, the local government will take care of one VIN funded center in Thulachhap from now.  

All participants highly appreciated the contribution made by PiSL – Diann & Dan. We thank them for their continued generosity.  

On the 15th of July, VIN president visited the Early Child Development (ECD) of Dumre and conducted a stakeholders’ meeting. The participants in the stakeholders meeting were – ECD Teacher, Head Teacher, ward representative, parents, and school management committee members.  

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VIN president Mr Bhupendra Ghimire with the participants

As we decided to bring all the community based ECD on the school based structure in the meeting conducted at NTCLC on the 14th July, an ECD classroom will be constructed next to the newly constructed basic school. VIN will raise funds to construct this center and also provide teacher’s salary for one more year. From next mid-July, the local government will have to continue funding the center.  

On the 18th of July, Bhupi together with the staff visited Siddheshwar ECD of Taluwa, to learn the condition of the ECD. There were 14 participants present in the meeting. The main goal of that meeting was to rationalize why Siddheswor ECD will be merged into Saptakanya ECD and handover the ECD building to the community. In that program, we discussed on how to make the proper use of ECD Building. We formed a local coordination committee and a women’s group under Taluwa Women Multiple Cooperative who will use this center for their development.  

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Bhupi together with the staff at Siddheshwar ECD of Taluwa

All the 26 ECD centers will be renovated and have a nice carpet laid to make it child friendly. The work will be done by September 2021.  

W e would like to thank Diann and Dan of our supporting partner PiSL for their outstanding contribution. Without them this project would not have been possible. 

We fund and run 55 ECD centers. Please learn more about our ECD project, click here.

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Your Experience/Setting

On arrival you will be greeted at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) and transported to your hotel / hostel (alternative arrangements can be made for those already in Nepal prior to the start of their placement). You will then receive a comprehensive a two to three-day induction, during that time you will be provided with information about your particular project as well as general information, including basic Nepalese language and culture, health and safety. This is also a good time to mix with other volunteers or interns who may be great sight-seeing companions and a source of support during your volunteer placement.

During the induction you will be accommodated in a budget hotel or hostel at VIN. However, a large part of the VIN experience comes from the immersion of a

home stay with a Nepalese host family. While this is an essential part of the experience we also recognize that it can be a challenging one, becoming part of a new culture and becoming accustomed to facilities that will be more basic than those you are used to. However, all our host families are experienced in accommodating volunteers – although their ability to speak English will vary – and you will have 24 hours’ access to contact and support from our staff members during your placement.

Volunteers will be placed in one of VIN’s working areas namely Tarakeshor Municipality of Kathmandu, Taluwa, Thulachhap and Bhadaure of Okhaldhunga, and Okharpouwa, Kaule of Nuwakot district. While at the working site the volunteers are requested to bring their own lunch, water bottle, safety gears, face mask and other essential belongings. As a volunteer you are advised to be in a comfortable and modest attire with preferably long sleeves. If you wish to raise project funds or collect project specific resources, you may contact us.

Requirements

  • Gender: Female / Male
  • Minimum Age: 18+ years (16-17 years old person can volunteer but need to present parents’ consent letter)
  • Language: English (Intermediate)
  • Educational: High School Graduate

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.

Mentoring and Support System

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.

Time and Fees

Mid and Long Term Volunteers:
  • 2 weeks minimum stay- € 385
  • 3 weeks – 470€
  • 4 weeks – 555€ (after 4 weeks for each additional week we charge €75)
University Internships:
  • 4 weeks minimum stay- € 615 (for each additional week we charge €85)

What VIN offers you in return?

  • On Arrival orientation (two to three days)
  • Food and Accommodation during on arrival orientation at VIN’s hostel / budget hotel on sharing basis
  • Food and Accommodation during Placement: Nepali Standard local host family – 3 meals a day
  • Transportation: Airport pick up; one time transport to and from the project site
  • Local volunteers’ support cost (optional)
  • VIN T-shirt
  • Certificate of participation
  • 24 hours emergency support
  • VIN admin cost.

What is excluded? Airfare, VISA (http://www.nepalimmigration.gov.np/page/tourist-visa), vaccinations, travel & medical insurance, return airport transfer, personal travel and weekend activities expenses etc.

Desirable/ Common Skills 

  • Excellent communicator with good interpersonal skills
  • A team player with good work ethics
  • 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