The difficulties of hearing-impaired people in Nepal is worse than in other developed countries. For a long time, the education and social systems of Nepal have been unable to support their special needs. Teaching hearing-impaired people is a relatively new concept in Nepal. Previously many such children would end up begging on the streets or kept away from school and made to work in their own home.
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child specify that children who are differently abled should receive special care and support, so that they can live a full independent life. Children also have a right to an education, regardless of which country they were born in. In Nepal however, there is still a lot of discrimination, lack of knowledge about deaf people’s rights and stigma associated with disabilities, with children not receiving the education and support that they require for their personal development.
The World Federation of the Deaf argues that governments and societies, especially in developing countries, often ignore the rights of hearing-impaired people. The majority of the world’s hearing-impaired children do not even have access to any type of education and, when they do, teachers are not fully qualified themselves in appropriate sign language.
At present, having schools for hearing-impaired children in Nepal is a massive step towards equality for all. In Kathmandu there is a school for such especially abled children where VIN uses the support of volunteers and interns to help improve the lives of children.
The major goal of Teaching hearing Impaired Children Project is to promote the development and capacities of hearing-impaired children. Here at VIN we believe passionately about the rights of children and we believe and know that all children, including those with additional disabilities, deserve the same level of care and access to education. We need volunteers to work with these children, to support the teachers in the classroom and to encourage a happy and safe learning environment.
Volunteers and interns will teach English to hearing-impaired children through supporting the deaf school. You will work with the teachers of the school who will assist by providing instructions to you in how to perform the daily activities. If you have a hearing impediment are interested in volunteering, it would be a wonderful opportunity to be a positive role model for the children. You may also have experience and qualifications in teaching sign language.
Sign language is not universal around the world, but you do not have to have specific experience of Nepali Sign language (NSL), as you will still find your own way to communicate with teachers and students. It will, however, be of great benefit if you understand how sign languages work and have knowledge of hearing-impaired communities.
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:
- Communicate with the children in giving activity instructions, playing games and joining them in the classroom;
- Support and encourage the children to learn;
- Perform and assist with daily school activities;
- Conduct individual and group counselling sessions or workshops;
- Facilitate life skills sessions and enhance the children’s abilities;
- Provide awareness on basic health, sanitation and hygiene.
Project Specific Skills
- Positive attitude and patience is key for this role
- Excellent inter-personal communication skills
- Able to give clear instruction and direction
- Lateral and creative thinking
- Proficient in conducting classes
- Familiarity with sign language
- Previous experience in teaching 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 | Conduct classes |
| 13:00-14:00 | Lunch (Packed lunch) |
| 15:00-17:00 | Conduct classes |
| 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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