The English and Career Development project is designed to address the current needs of the youth from disadvantaged, and minority groups. Our education system does not correspond to the needs of the country. It’s kind of a literacy programme – teaching just how to read and write, facts and figures and achieve a degree. Chalk & talk and rote learning alone do not help explore individual potential of a person. No creativity is explored; no attention is paid in the individual difference. Consequently, the youth who has done his university degree may find difficult to speak in English; or to create a beautiful resume. Because these life skills are never taught. Language is not taught for speaking, reading and writing, rather it is taught to pass exams. As a result, this educated youth with a degree cannot get a job, neither can they do something on their own. They often end up going to a Gulf country working in an unskilled field.
Our goal is to teach English language and career development skills to the youth of 16 to 30 years in rural communities of Nepal.
English is an international language. The most literature, on any skill and knowledge, are written in English. So teaching English language will give youth access to more opportunities. Teaching job hunting skills like how to write a CV, how to have face-to-face interviews, commercial awareness, communication, team work, negotiation and persuasion, problem solving, leadership, organisation, perseverance and motivation, ability to work under pressure, and confidence to help them present themselves with better opportunities.
We are looking for an enthusiastic volunteer or intern who can either teach English or career development skills to youth from disadvantaged communities or minority groups. Teaching some basic computer skills, such as Word and Excel, email, internet would also be great.
During the placement, the volunteer will be based on in one of our working sites namely Kathmandu, Okhaldhunga and Nuwakot. You will be accommodated with a Nepali host family. While allowing you to become immersed in Nepali language and culture, you will also experience the environment in which today’s community youth are living. Depending on your experience, the volunteer will be a part of one or more of the following career development activities:
- Teach English language basic skills – listening, speaking, reading and writing
- Communication skills
- Public Speaking and presentation skills
- How to prepare CV / resume.
- How to prepare and face job interviews
- How to face interviews, commercial awareness.
- Negotiation and persuasion
- Problem solving,
- Leadership,
- Organisation,
- Perseverance and motivation,
- Ability to work under pressure, confidence
- Basic Computer Skills: Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint. email, Internet
RELEVANT SKILLS
Project Specific Skills
- Excellent spoken and written English language competency
- Proficient in conducting workshops
- Basic computer skills
- Teaching
- Knowledge on career development skills
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 to people on cluster basis |
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.