Strategic Planning workshop
Published on: 06 Dec 2020

VIN facilitates 10 years (2030) Strategic Planning workshop for Local Government in the Everest Region

 Strategic Planning workshopVolunteers Initiative Nepal (VIN) facilitated 10 years strategic planning workshop for two wards of Siddhicharan municipality and one ward of Chisankhugadi rural municipality of Okhaldhunga district of the Everest region. The five days (22nd to 26th November, 2020) strategic planning workshop was organized bringing an expert consultant. There were 35 participants representing local governments, political parties, social workers, school principals, social leaders, youth, women, farmers, Dalit etc.

Our focus is on developing capacity of local stakeholders to formulate short and long term plan. We started sessions with motivational games related to self-awareness and realizing their role for their community development. The contents of strategic planning workshop were: planning process, national plan and sustainable development goals, development trends in the local context, identification of problems and strategic issues, SWOT (strength, weakness, opportunities and threats) analysis, strategic planning framework -vision, mission, core values, goal, objectives, action plan – activities, timeframe, indicators and responsible people, resource identification, stakeholder’s analysis, log frame, monitoring & evaluation and budgeting.

 Strategic Planning workshopWe used participatory methodologies like presentations, group works, group presentations, games etc. to facilitate the sessions.  Finally, we were able to produce a first draft template of the strategic plan of those three counties. To prepare a final strategic plan, we need further deeper researches to be conducted. We have therefore formed eight working committees and one monitoring and evaluation body. The eight working committees are: 1. Education, 2. Health, 3. Agriculture, forest & environment 4. Basic infrastructure 5. Social cultural & tourism 6. Human resource & employment 7. Economy 8. Disaster risk reduction & Management. Our team will give more training for these workings committees and facilitate whole process. By the end of Feb, 2021, we are hoping to have a complete product.

In Nepal after national revolution, development process is more decentralized and local governments are authorized to develop plan and implement for their communities. It seems there is lack of long term vision in the local leaders for the sustainable development. Political leaders are not skilled enough to formulate the long term plan in a participatory way. The development plan and its execution are far behind to meet the national goals.

 Strategic Planning workshopTherefore, we organized five days strategic planning workshop to address the gap in developing visionary plan. The workshop supported local stakeholders to think out of box. This is also proved by the speech of one of the participants- ‘I found this workshop useful in making visionary plan. This has supported us in thinking a step ahead and organized our long term and short term plan. I would like to thank the organizer and facilitators for this wonderful workshop– Kedar Babu Basnet, ward president, Siddhicharan municipality, ward 1.

We were happy to learn that the initiative is very helpful for the local development. The mayor of Siddhicharan municipality and the Chief of Chishankhugadi rural municipality expressed their joys for being part of the process and committed for the successful implementation of the strategic planning workshop. We are grateful to both of the mayors for their presence in the closing ceremony. We would like to thank to all the participants for their active participation in the workshop. We are looking forward to see the final product and implement it for the positive transformation of the community.

 

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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