Nepal is particularly vulnerable to natural disasters of potentially catastrophic dimensions ranging from earthquakes, floods/landslides, fire, avalanches, storms, epidemics and droughts. When one of these disasters takes place, authorities cannot provide emergency relief and cope without aid from abroad and NGOs. This is your opportunity to make a difference and take action to prepare local communities for disaster management.
Nepal is a complex geography of flat lands, hillsides and mountains with a stunning natural beauty that belies its danger. Terai, the flatland, is susceptible to flood, while the hill areas will experience landslide. The mountains remain the prey of cyclonic winds that claim the crops in spring and hailstorms that claim them in summer and winter. Kathmandu is prone to earthquakes; the last significant one in 1934 took over 3000 lives and data suggests that one takes place approximately every 75 years.
While the government has strategic measures in place, their efforts alone will not bring much emergency relief and recovery to affected areas. With a poor infrastructure and poorly built homes, emergency relief will take longer and more people will be displaced in the event of a disaster. It is largely acknowledged that as well as improving post-event aid, pre-event measures need to be taken, including providing a boost to the coping strategies and mechanisms of affected communities.
VIN seeks volunteers to assess preparedness for disaster management among the local community. You will create disaster risk reduction strategies, and raise awareness about the need for disaster management preparation within the community. Participants in VIN’s emergency relief and disaster management project will conduct research and prepare lists of organizations working in this area and develop networks.
During your placement you will live in a home stay with a Nepali family. This will allow you the opportunity to become immersed in the Nepali culture and language.
VIN’s Mission
VIN is a non-commercial, charitable organisation whose overriding mission is the empowerment of marginalised, rural communities in Nepal, with a particular focus on women and children. Since 2007 we have worked with Jitpurphedi community, 12km from Kathmandu, and now look forward to initiating our work in Okhaldhunga, in the Everest Region.
Your Experience
Throughout your placement you will have the full support of VIN. Your safety is our highest priority. On arrival you will be greeted at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport and transported to your hotel (alternative arrangements can be made for those already in Nepal prior to the start of their placement). You will then receive a comprehensive three-day induction, during which time you will be provided with information about your particular placement as well as general information, including basic Nepalese language and culture. 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 hotel. However, a large part of the 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 recognise 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 hour access to contact and support from our staff members during your placement.
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