Okhaldhunga: Taluwa, Thulachhap and Bhadaure

Okhaldhunga district is located 250 kilometer east from Kathmandu. Geographical location, Latitude: 27ͦ.6’ to 27.32′ and Longitude 86.10 to 86.32. It’s in the Everest region, south of Solukhumbu district. It is one of the 14 districts of Province Number 1, the eastern part of Nepal.  It covers an area of 1,074.5 square kilometers and with a population of 139,552 in 2021. Okhaldhunga is the headquarters of Okhaldhunga district. The headquarters is located in the Siddhicharan municipality. The headquarters is accessible by paved road. Siddhicharan Municipality is one of the 8 local units.

okhaldhunga nepal

Volunteers Initiative Nepal (VIN) has actively been working in Taluwa, Thulachhap, and Bhadaure since 2012. Taluwa and Thulachhap are wards 1 and 2 respectively of Siddhicharan municipality. Bhadaure is ward 6 of Chisankhugadhi Rural municipality.

Taluwa covers around 18.88 square hector area. It has a total population of 1051 with 958 females and 931 males. Bhadaure has a 20.16 square hector area and a total population of 2759 with 1299 males and 1460 females. Similarly, Thulachhap covers about 12.07 square hector area. It has a total population of 2766 with 1315 males and 1451 females. Bhadaure and Thulachhap have around 10% Dalits (so-called low cast) and 40% Janajaatis and Indigenous Communities. Taluwa has a considerably higher number of Dalits.

Those villages are mainly occupied by socially marginalized and economically deprived communities. A considerable number of people are illiterate. Almost 90% of the people are involved in agriculture but their harvest is not enough for their livelihood. Women work hard physically. Most of the women are not educated. They lack skills to earn money and they are not able to enjoy their rights. Though people are involved in agriculture, they lack technical knowledge.

School profiles in Okhaldhunga

S. N.CampusHigher SecondarySecondaryLower SecondaryPrimary
16237055249

Schools in Thulachhap, Taluwa and Bhadaure

S. N.Name of villageHigher SecondarySecondaryLower SecondaryPrimaryECD
1Thulachhap1169
2Taluwa1349
3Bhadaure2610
4Total1431528

Source: census 2021

Population in Thulachhap, Taluwa and Bhadaure

S. N.Name of villageHouseholdsMaleFemaleTotal
1Thulachhap709131514512766
2Taluwa4089589311051
3Bhadaure497129914602759
4Total1914357238426576

Source: census 2021

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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