Nepal is known as the ancient home of yoga and deep wisdom. Thousands of yogis and sages have meditated and practiced yoga in the pursuit for the acquiring peace of mind. However, at present Nepal is struggling to find a modern identity in the midst of long-term poverty and continuing political struggle, with the weight of poverty and discriminatory cultural traditions weighing heavily upon the most vulnerable sections of Nepal. Over time, yoga has come to be perceived as a western luxury far from its original form.
Individuals experiencing poverty and other forms of scarcity can skillfully handle their problems and life stresses through yoga. Yoga provides periods of rest and reflection, promotes joint, muscle flexibility, and provides a place from which people can find self-worth, leading to good physical and mental health. Moreover, yoga helps release anger and tension, improve concentration and relax the body, spirit, and mind. At VIN, we believe it is essential to make yoga accessible to marginalized and minority populations to help assist with their overall wellbeing.
The major goal of the Yoga Volunteer Project is to give the underprivileged people of marginalized communities a means of harmonizing the body and mind for a healthy life. Inspired by the positive impact Project Air has had on victims of war crimes and rape in Rwanda, VIN believes that making Yoga available to the poor and marginalized communities of Nepal would be an invaluable gift to support positive change.
VIN seeks certified Yoga practitioners and intermediate to advanced students to join us from around the world. Our Yoga volunteers and interns will be assigned a VIN project area, where you will help to teach yoga in local communities, working with other yoga teachers and also independently.
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:
- Familiarize participants with various breathing techniques and meditation;
- Provide participants with simple instructions on yoga poses and audio/video guides to practice yoga at home;
- Generate a positive and relaxing environment within the sessions ;
- Facilitate motivational sessions to uplift the spirit of people;
- Demonstrate and teach low impact physical exercise and workout techniques;
- Focus activities on understanding difficult emotions, coping with stress and managing symptoms of depression;
- Familiarize people with the benefits of incorporating yoga in their daily routines;
- Use group discussions at the beginning and end of classes to encourage social support.
Project Specific Skills
- Excellent inter-personal communication skills
- Able to give clear instruction and direction
- Lateral and creative thinking
- Proficient in conducting classes
- Background or past experience in Yoga
- Yoga or Meditation Certification 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 Yoga sessions |
| 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- € 350
3 weeks – 450€
4 weeks – 550€ (after 4th week, for each additional week €85)
University Internships:
4 weeks minimum stay- € 650 (for each additional week – €95
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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