The world is changing quickly and so is the global education system. However, teaching practice in Nepal has not been able to develop in line with these global changes. Much teaching in Nepal is of a very traditional approach, which does not prepare students as learners ready for our changing world. Provision of a quality primary and secondary education is vital for the development of the individual, community and nation as a whole, with research showing that the quality of teaching is the most influential factor in developing excellent students. It is therefore highly important for teachers in Nepal to have opportunities to receive training and gain qualifications as educators.
The major goal of the Teacher Development Project is to give teachers access to teaching techniques, which promote creativity and critical thinking in a child-friendly environment. VIN, with the help of enthusiastic volunteers and interns, conducts assessments, workshops, seminars and training to teachers in marginalized communities of Nepal. Through this project, VIN empowers the whole village, including parents, teachers and schools, to enable children to receive a quality education, explore creative outlets and develop themselves as a whole.
VIN’s Teacher Development Project offers volunteers and interns the opportunity to observe and assess teaching methods in Nepali community schools, before working with teachers to implement positive change. Volunteers and interns on this project must have well-established knowledge of teaching or teacher development. It is a unique opportunity for teachers to understand the education system of a developing country, help to improve the quality of teaching and learning and make a difference to the education and lives of many children.
During your volunteer placement, you will live in the community with a Nepali host family, offering you the chance to become immersed in Nepali culture and language. Depending upon you interest and expertise, you will be involved in one or more of the following activities:
- Observe, analyse and work to improve Nepali teaching and learning methods;
- Plan and carry out workshops and training, helping to develop teachers’ ability to share knowledge and facilitate learning;
- Assist and support teachers by collaboratively producing materials and teaching English language;
- Collaborate in curriculum development and mapping;
- Constructively share experience and teaching practice from your home countries;
- Help promote child-friendly learning environments in community schools;
- Empower teachers to focus on child-centric interactive teaching techniques;
- Provide feedback to teachers to further improve their technique and performance;
- Actively engage the participants in group processes such as building consensus, shared vision and conflict resolution;
- Enable teachers to challenge themselves and practice better education tactics.
Project Specific Skills
- Excellent inter-personal communication skills
- Able to give clear instruction and direction
- Lateral and creative thinking
- Proficient in conducting training and delivering workshops
- Background or past experience in primary or secondary level teaching
- A Teacher Training Qualification would be an added asset
Desirable/ Common Skills
- Excellent communicator with good interpersonal skills
- A team player with good workethics
- 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
- Positive attitude
Requirements
- Gender: Female / Male
- Minimum Age: 18+ years (16-17 years old person can volunteer but need to present parents’/ guardian’s consent letter)
- Language:English (Intermediate)
- Educational:High School Graduate
Your Experience/ Setting
Upon your arrival at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), you will receive a warm welcome and be transported to your hotel or hostel. If you are already in Nepal before the start of your placement, we can make alternative arrangements for you. You will undergo a comprehensive two- to three-day induction program after arrival. This induction will provide valuable information about your project and general information about the Nepalese language, culture, health, safety, and security. It is also an excellent opportunity to connect with fellow volunteers and interns who can become your companions for sightseeing and a source of support throughout your volunteer placement.
During the induction period, you will be accommodated in a budget hotel or hostel arranged by VIN. However, most of the VIN experience involves living with a Nepalese host family. While this immersion is essential for a complete experience, we understand that it can be challenging as you adapt to a new culture and adjust to facilities that may be more basic than you are accustomed to. Don’t worry; all our host families have experience accommodating volunteers, although their English-speaking abilities may vary. Also, you will have 24-hour access to our staff members for support and assistance throughout your placement.
Volunteers will be assigned to one of VIN’s working areas, which include Tarakeshor Municipality in Kathmandu, Taluwa, Thulachhap, and Bhadaure in Okhaldhunga, and Okharpouwa and Kaule in the Nuwakot district. While at the working site, volunteers are requested to bring their lunch box, water bottle, safety gear, face mask, and any other essential belongings. We advise volunteers to dress comfortably and modestly, preferably with long sleeves. Please get in touch with us for guidance and support if you want to raise project funds or collect project-specific resources. This will help the community a lot.
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.
Your typical day might look like this:
| 07:00-08:00 | Tea/Leisure Time |
| 08:00-09:00 | Breakfast/Brunch (Nepali meal – Daal-Bhaat) |
| 09:00-10:00 | Preparation for sessions |
| 10:00-13:00 | Deliver training sessions/Workshops |
| 13:00-14:00 | Lunch (Packed lunch) |
| 15:00-17:00 | Deliver sessions/Extracurricular activities with group |
| 17:00-20:00 | Preparation for next day/Leisure time |
| 20:00-21:00 | Dinner (Nepali meal – Daal-Bhaat) |
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.
Click here to Learn more on how volunteering works
Mid and Long Term Volunteers:
2 weeks minimum stay- € 380
3 weeks – 480€
4 weeks – 580€ (after 4th week, for each additional week €95)
University Internships:
4 weeks minimum stay- € 680 (for each additional week – €105
Click here to Learn what’s included and excluded in our Fees Section
Click here to Learn recruitment process on how volunteering works
Our projects are open year-round, and our inductions begin on the first and third Mondays of each month. We would like to ask that volunteers arrive one day before the start of the induction. You can choose the duration of your participation based on your available time. However, so that you know, our volunteering placements are limited. We highly recommend booking your placement in advance to secure your placement. Click here to apply.
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