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Published on: 04 Sep 2019

Excitement of Co-operative women on celebrating Teej Festival

Among the many festivals in Nepal, Teej festival is one of the most famous festivals celebrated by Nepali Hindu women.  Women celebrate Teej for marital happiness and the well-being of spouses and children.  Traditionally, women dress in red, gather together, dance and sing to Nepali folk and Dohori music.  A grand feast is usually involved on the eve of Teej as women will begin fasting when midnight hits.  Nowadays, women across Nepal begin the celebration of Teej as early as one month prior.

On the 24th of August Sunday, VIN supported a celebration of Teej festival  “Jitpurphedi women agriculture co-operative Limited in Jitpurphedi”. There were a lot of participants from women’s group members, Jitpurphedi women agriculture co-operative management committee members, co-operative loan sub-committee members, co-operative account committee members, education sub-committee members, VIN staff and top women entrepreneur Ms. Laxmi Sharma. The Teej festival celebration program was announced by co-operative staff Sita Lamichhane. There was a different program like; welcome speech, exchange welcome, speech from guest and VIN, singing and dancing and Dar program. The program was started from near about 12 pm. Women women were happy as they could celebrate Teej program In their own cooperative building. From VIN, Ms. Om Shrestha, women empowerment program officer, she said that the Teej festival celebration started from begging by women’s empowerment program at Jitpurphedi.  Happiness, prosperity as well as some sad stories were highlighted of Nepali women. Top women entrepreneur Laxmi Sharma was invited as a guest to inspire the women. She expressed her story of hardship in her life. She encouraged women to be entrepreneurs and she promised to help women who wanted to be entrepreneurs. She illustrated the opportunities of business in Jitpurphedi. All women audience and guests were happy from the program. At last co-operative president closed the program with best wishes to all women of Teej festival. Over 280 women attended and celebrated Teej festival with Daar.

In high spirit, they sang and danced along to traditional Nepali folk music. It was wonderful to take part in such a joyful celebration, with women in Jitpurphedi. Women promised that they will continue the program in the coming years. It was a very lively afternoon, with lots of singing and dancing, surrounded by the festivity of Teej.

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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