# Volunteers Initiative Nepal

Volunteers Initiative Nepal (VIN) is a not-for-profit, non-governmental organization (NGO), voluntary Service Organisation established and registered in 2005 in Kathmandu, Nepal by a group of social activists, educationalists, development workers, and other professionals. VIN is a non-religious, non-political, and non-profit organization. VIN focuses on empowerment projects in marginalized communities of Nepal through its programs and projects VIN mobilizes local and international volunteers in Nepal and interns in developmental and humanitarian projects including research, education, construction, training, and counseling.

## Mission

To empower marginalized communities through enhanced education, health, environment, economy, and basic infrastructure development through women's empowerment, children's development, youth empowerment, community health, and environment & conservation programs with a special focus on women and children by conducting training and research, mobilizing skilled local and international volunteers to promote equality, economic well-being and basic human rights.

## Partnership

VIN has received a Quality Label from European Solidarity Corps to host european volunteer in Nepal. VIN is affiliated with various internationally recognized organizations and volunteering networks including: Network for Voluntary Development Asia (NVDA), Coordinating Committee for International Voluntary Service CCIVS and member of ALLIANCE of European Voluntary Service Organisations., Partners in Sustainable Learning (PiSL), Friends of VIN, USA, Netherlands, Canada, UK. ViN is also a member of International Forum for Volunteering in Development and NGO Federation Nepal At the local level, VIN works in coordination with local government like municipalities, District coordination Offices. ViN has established Women's Cooperatives (JitpurPhedi Women's Agriculture Cooperative, Saraswoti Women's Cooperative, Taluwa Women's Multipurpose Cooperative, Bhadaure Women's Multipurpose Cooperative), children's & youth clubs, Buddhist monasteries, Public Schools, Early Childhood Development Centers.

## History

Bhuprendra Ghimire, its president, founded VIN in 2005 to give back to the community he belongs to. He holds a master's degree in education and was an educator in Nepal for over 10 years before establishing VIN.
VIN initiated on-site community development (Working Site) in 2006 in JitpurPhedi village (Tarakeshor Municipality), a rural community less than 20 miles from Kathmandu. Since 2007 VIN has built strong foundations of education, health & environment, basic economy, and basic public infrastructure for the communities including schools, community centers, early childhood education centers, WASH. VIN has been implementing community empowerment using Holistic Approach in the outskirts of Kathmandu, Tarakeshor Municipality, and Siddhicharan Municipality and Chisankhugadi Rural municipality, Okhaldhunga district of Everest region. VIN plans to expand its programmes further across seven provinces in Nepal.

## Programs

VIN has four pillars of its development initiatives – education, health and environment, economy, and basic infrastructure development. To achieve their mission they implement six different programs: Women's Empowerment, Children's Development, Youth Empowerment, Public Health & Medical Care, Environment Conservation, and Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR)
VIN offers international, local volunteer and internship placements in various projects. Current programs include women and youth empowerment, children's development, teaching, teacher development, environment and conservation, public health, management and administration, and journalism and public interest.
Their program runs year-round by their local staff, volunteers and interns. The projects are developed based on the local need by conducting a baseline survey and principles of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Their projects are monitored and evaluated using external bodies so as to ensure the impact and quality of the services delivered to the community.

## Earthquake Relief Project

VIN has been actively involved in relief work after the 25 April 2015 earthquake. VIN distributed immediate relief materials like tents, food & other essentials, organized mobile medical camps, children creative psychological camps and constructed 550 safe transitional houses, 2500+ toilets for the affected families, and 50 classrooms for the affected children to go to school. VIN has also built 55 earthquake-resistant homes and 55 Early Childhood Development Centers, one women's business center for JitpurPhedi Women Agriculture Cooperative Ltd. and a community learning center (CLC) - NaraTika Community Learning Center; libraries for the affected communities.

## Volunteering Oppertunities

VIN's holistic approach of community development allows the volunteer or intern to be immersed in the local culture. Interns and volunteers of various educational and cultural backgrounds can exchange their cultures freely.
ViN offers diverse and impactful volunteer experiences designed to address critical community needs and foster sustainable development in Nepal.
* Women's Empowerment: Contribute to gender equality by facilitating literacy classes, vocational training programs, and microfinance initiatives. Empower women to achieve economic independence, exercise their rights, and become community leaders.
* Children's Development: Support early childhood education initiatives, provide academic tutoring, and promote health and nutrition awareness to ensure children have a strong foundation for a bright future.
* Youth Empowerment: Engage with young people through life skills training, leadership development workshops, and community-based projects, nurturing their potential and fostering active citizenship.
* Public Health & Medical Care: Assist in health camps, provide primary medical care under supervision, and participate in health education campaigns to improve access to healthcare and promote healthy behaviours in underserved communities.
* Environment Conservation: Contribute to environmental sustainability through reforestation efforts, promoting sustainable farming practices, and participating in community-led conservation initiatives.
* Disaster Risk Reduction: Work with communities to assess risks, develop preparedness plans, and implement mitigation strategies to reduce the impact of natural disasters.
For detailed information about these programs and how to apply, please visit the Volunteers Initiative Nepal website.