VIN’s Environment Conservation Program
Published on: 27 Feb 2025

VIN’s Environment Conservation Program: Promoting Sustainability Through Composting

VIN’s Environment Conservation Program: A Step Towards a Sustainable Future

At VIN’s Environment Conservation Work Camp in Kishandol, volunteers from both local and international backgrounds came together to share the valuable practice of composting with the community. The workshop was part of the ongoing Environment Conservation work camp, aimed at educating and empowering individuals in sustainable farming practices and environmental stewardship.

This hands-on experience demonstrated how to prepare compost manure from organic waste, a process that offers multiple environmental benefits. Volunteers and participants worked side by side, creating compost that not only helps in effective waste management but also promotes healthier, more sustainable farming methods for the local community.

Why Composting Matters

Composting is a powerful yet simple way to reduce waste while enriching the environment. It is a process that transforms organic materials—such as food scraps, leaves, and other biodegradable items—into nutrient-rich humus. This can be used to enhance soil health and support the growth of healthy plants, ultimately benefiting both the environment and local agriculture.

Here are a few fun facts about composting:

1. Waste Reduction:

Composting significantly reduces the amount of waste that would otherwise end up in landfills, helping to lower greenhouse gas emissions, which are a major contributor to climate change.

2. Soil Enrichment:

It enriches the soil with essential nutrients, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers, which can harm the environment and water sources.

3. Water Conservation:

By improving soil structure, composting helps the soil retain moisture, reducing the need for frequent watering, and conserving valuable water resources.

4. Climate Change Mitigation:

Composting plays a crucial role in reducing the carbon footprint by turning organic waste into valuable soil amendments, promoting a more sustainable approach to farming and gardening.

5. Natural Process:

Composting is a completely natural process that turns organic waste into nutrient-rich humus, enhancing soil fertility, improving plant health, and contributing to the overall health of the ecosystem.

Why Volunteer for the Planet?

Initiatives like VIN’s Environment Conservation Program encourage people to get involved in sustainable living practices. By volunteering, both local and international participants learn practical skills, such as composting, which they can carry back to their communities, fostering a global movement for environmental protection.

The event also serves as a reminder that each small step toward sustainable living, whether it’s composting or reducing plastic use, adds up. Volunteers make a significant difference in spreading awareness and implementing eco-friendly practices that benefit both local communities and the environment.

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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