As an elementary school teacher I had long summers and none of my friends could take 6 weeks off. I decided to go to Nepal in 2009 and teach English in a Monastery through VIN's Monastery program. Apart from the teaching bit Bhupi (VIN's Founder) asked me to give some work shops to local teachers and spend an afternoon with the Youth Group programme. Before I left the Netherlands I held a fund raiser and raised over 3500euro (an unfathomable amount for Nepali standards) and Bhupi and I decided what the money would be used for. We furnished 5 kindergarden classrooms and bought materials to build 21 toilets in remote communities (as well as conduct hygiene training which goes with using toilets the correct way). When I left I was asked to join the Board of Advisors and I felt extremely honoured. I still have the plaque hanging in my living room. Over the years I've returned to Nepal 4 times. A few times to participate in Buddhist courses at Kopan Monastery in Kathmandu and once in combination with a visit to Bhutan. Every time I returned to Nepal I made an effort to visit Bhupi at the VIN office. His organisation grew so much since 2009 when I first visited. Now it is a absolute great organisation with 25 full time staff and 14 teachers. They have moved offices 3 times and are now in a great location with a beautiful garden. A place VIN can be proud of, as well as all they have achieved over the years. I have immense respect for this organisation and it's staff. They have their heart in the right place and really want what is best for Nepal. And I have never met a harder working man in my life than Bhupendra Ghimire. I highly recommend this non profit organisation. Namasté, Maartje/Netherlands
Volunteering with VIN has been a truly enriching and unforgettable experience. It offers a rare opportunity to deeply immerse oneself in the warmth, richness, and beauty of Nepali culture while giving back in a meaningful way. From the very beginning, the VIN staff were welcoming and supportive, generously sharing cultural insights and guidance that helped me feel at home and prepared to contribute right away. Their dedication and care made it easy to connect with the community and begin making a difference. I am deeply grateful for every moment spent here—the people I met, the lessons I learned, and the sense of purpose I felt throughout. Thank you, VIN, for creating such a powerful and life-changing experience.
Hi!! I am Chandrika. I did my volunteering at Volunteer Initiative Nepal as a national volunteer for 2 months. I am really glad i got this opportunity from VIN. The staff were very friendly and welcoming. During my volunteering i met many national and international volunteer. And I made some really good friends. The best part of my volunteering was communities people they were very loving, I loved their hospitality. In these 2 months i participated in many projects. Some of were awareness program on early marriage and human trafficking. Another was before, during and after earthquake. I did survey on breast cancer and menopause and climate change as well. I get to learn many new things like social skills, computer skills, teaching skills, communication skills, etc. Overall I enjoyed and liked my volunteering journey.Thank you VIN!!
I volunteered here at the dog center. It was very good. I spent a lot of time each day with the dogs, walking them, brushing them, shampooing them. I also took care of injured dogs and took them to the hospital. If you love dogs, come here and give them happiness.
My name is Léo and I volunteered at JP Pratisthan Aashram to help elderly people from January 13 to March 30.
My time at the ashram was very positive. I helped with daily tasks: cooking meals for 30 people, taking care of the garden (planting potatoes, cutting trees), and helping elderly residents. This simple work was useful and made a real difference.
The residents and staff were very welcoming. Even with language difficulties, we found ways to communicate.
I learned to be more patient and to adapt to different ways of living. The cultural differences were interesting but sometimes challenging.
For future volunteers: Don't worry if you don't speak the language at all and if your English is not perfect. Just be ready to help with simple things. The work may seem small, but it's important.
I'm very thankful for this experience. It showed me how helping with basic needs can make a big difference in people's lives.
i had a wonderful experience. It felt good to work for a great cause knowing my efforts created a impact.
I was with the child protection program and loved every moment of the time i spent with children. Overall i am really grateful for the opportunity.
I had an amazing time working with other volunteers to support the empowerment of women and communities in the Jitpurphedi area. We explained causes, effects, and preventions of child marriage, human trafficking and other gender based violence in Nepal. Everyday the people we interacted with listened to the new information we gave them which they said was helpful and so they walked away with heightened awareness which is what we set out to achieve here. This was a brilliant, sharing knowledge and making connections in order to empower marginalised communities in Nepal.
My volunteering experience was one that has been incredibly enriching, and definitely one that I will cherish forever. I am eternally grateful to the organization for being so warm and welcoming to me, creating an environment where I felt truly at home among the staff and fellow volunteers. This experience has not improved my practical skills but has also broadened my perspective on community work and the transformative power of collective effort. The daily struggles of the people in the communities taught me not to take anything for granted as well as the importance of empathy and resilience. Working in ECD allowed me to hone my interactions with children, developing my patience, creativity and understanding. The water research survey allowed me a wonderful opportunity to nurture my interview skills and gain insights into field research. The administrative work strengthened essential skills like video editing, writing and professional communication, as well as adapting to the office work and environment. I am sincerely thankful to VIN for the opportunity to grow, learn, and contribute, and I hope to volunteer with you again in the near future.
these 3 weeks i spent in Okhaldhunga were amazing , i left a part of my heart with these kids. i’m sure i’ll come back in a couple of years
Volunteering at VIN organization was not just an opportunity to give back, but also a journey of personal transformation and discovery.I had the opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects to support education,health and the environment.The team at this organization was incredibly inspiring and collaborative.I learned so much while making a real difference in the community.
Hi
My name is Smritee Nepal ,national volunteer from Nepal been working here since 5 month . Throughout my volunteering work I have always felt very happy and grateful on all of my project .i am happy to see my work has made impact into the community and also for my personal growth this has been the best platform for me to discover the opportunities.
I had a very good experience with VIN. We were well oriented and supervised throughout our stay. We were able to develop our project with great freedom and permanent support. Thank you VIN
VIN is an Amazing association with a very Good organisation , safe and trustfull , they bring us and keep us safe all along the way , they give good advices and make everything they can so we can achieve our goals , so I really encourage people to come through VIN for humanitary projects and I ´ll have to organise myself to come again because I really loved that trip !!! thanks a lot for everything , and I hope to see you soon
a wonderful experience which is facilitated by the professionalism and rigor of the VIN association. If you want to go to a splendid country full of sharing and values, go through VIN!
A huge thank you for your warm welcome and these incredible three weeks! Thank you for your generosity, your daily smiles, and all the moments we shared. This stay has far exceeded what I came here for: beyond the care I came to offer, I’m leaving with a heart full of memories and beautiful connections that will stay with me always.
A very special thank you to Sunita for her kindness, curiosity, and joyful spirit that brightened each day here. I sincerely hope to be able to welcome you in return someday, just as you welcomed me for the Tihar festival – it will remain one of the most beautiful memories of this adventure. You’re always welcome in the south of France whenever you’d like!
Volunteer Initiative Nepal is a great platform to have an international experience. I am from Nepal but I have never experienced the kind of volunteering before like this in Nepal. It has really made a positive impact for the community and the local people lives. I recommend to give it a try
Hi ! I am Mariyam. I worked as a volunteer in Volunteer Initiative Nepal for 3 months. During my projects I got a chance to work in the community. My projects made me feel happy, because I learn from many people. Under the guidance of my supervisor and group members, I am glad that I met them. Every moment with them and community is beautiful. VIN gave me this opportunity, I can not explain in my words how much I glad. Two things, I am glad I decided to work in social work and I am confident in my decision which happen because of VIN. For everything, Thank you so much!
I spent four weeks volunteering teaching English at a Buddhist monastery through VIN. And it was absolutely amazing. The experience was life changing and the support that VIN gave in the induction and throughout my placement was unparalleled. Don't be afraid to email before you come as well because the team are very helpful. The induction was three days long and introduced and by the end I felt thoroughly prepared for my placement. Staying at VIN's hostel was also great, basic but I found I didn't need anything more. VIN are always in need of more support and I would recommend staying as long as you can as you make more of an impact this way. If you haven't done anything like this before like I had, I couldn't stress enough that it is absolutely worth it and incredibly enjoyable. Thank you VIN!
I was a volunteer with VIN for 2 months, and it was the most incredible experience for me. The staff at VIN was always there for me when needed, and they listened to my suggestions, which made me feel truly involved in the project. Additionally, the accommodations they recommended in the Okhaldhunga area were very comfortable and safe. I highly recommend it!
I was a volunteer for an internship in Journalism in VIN, I have been in Kathmandu and Nishankhe, a small village in the Everest Area. This experience is the best experience I have ever had. I recommend everybody to go there as volunteer, or intern. Nepalese are so amazing, and welcoming, and obviously Nepal is such a beautiful country especially in the mountains area.
Lucie, French.
Being volunteer at vin was one of my best experiences. I'm so grateful for being a member of the team. I only can advise you to go and join them to make the difference.
My overall experience was great . During my period of volunteering I built a deep connection with kids during summer camp ,and also with people of community.
It was really a good experience to be a part of VIN. All the staffs and volunteers are really very helpful, charming and respectful that made my journey more easier and unforgettable.
It's been a great time with the kids. Language will not be a barrier. We built a deep connection with them and our time were full if fun and laughter. With the continous support from VIN, we wish them a bright and happy future.
I volunteered two weeks in Nepal for woking at the rural area in Nepal - Okhalduang. In these two weeks, we need to teach the children in different aspects to enhance their education experiences including the Art, Dance and music, Cultural, Sport, Hygiene, Self-esteem, environment protection, English lessons.
It’s a great change for me to giving back to the society in a way that I can never experience in Hong Kong. The children in Okhalduang are all very kind and generous even they are not living in a high standard of life. The people there are all very nice and pure. It’s so glad that I met all the people there and interact with them. I believe that those experiences also will have good impacts in my own life after backing to Hong Kong. :)
Hope that more volunteers will come to Okhalduang to contribute to these lovely rural community in the coming future. :)
I taught children anything such as hygiene, our country’s culture and sports in Okhaldhunga.
I enjoyed this experience. Children call me anytime also take my hand. We study and play together. They are shy, but I taught them everyday so they show me any facial expressions. I’m so happy.
Hello! I'm a proud Hongkonger who has had the privilege of volunteering with Volunteers Initiative Nepal (VIN). I'm teaching at a local basic school in Okhaldhunga, Nepal. The experience has been immensely rewarding and enlightening. I'm grateful for the opportunity to contribute and be a part of this incredible community.
Im a student of social work and psychology. I wanted to put my skills to use and learn new skills practically and so I decided to do some volunteering work. I found out about VIN thorough some of my friends and went to okhaldhunga for women’s empowerment workshops. I love everything about VIN. The staffs are so friendly and hardworking. It has a great working environment where everyone pushes you to do your best for society. I loved interacting and doing workshops with the women in okhaldhunga . I am still living in Naratika Community Learning Center and so far it has been great. Its a wonderful experience to live here and get to work together with the community. With so many like minded people, it always feels like you're getting inspired from so many places. The work that we do there is very hands on, meaning we plan things together, prepare materials and discuss about feedbacks and changes that are necessary. I would definitely recommend anyone who one to volunteer to work at VIN.
When I arrived Nepal's airportat night, they came for me.
Also when I had a fever, they took me to the hospital.
Overall it was good. I learned a lot of things i didn't know before. I got a chance to meet new people, learn new culture and had better understanding of society and community. Learned more about organisation. Had a chance to work with children's and international volunteers. The experience is really good but organisation didn't provide any means of transportation and internet it was hard to continue our project and I recommend this organisation for local and international volunteers for volunteering projects.
I volunteered for VIN in 2019-2020, and I have great memories of it. I discovered a team that was both committed and friendly, working on field projects that directly contributed to the well-being of marginalized populations. I was based 10km from Kathmandu, in Tarakeshwore, where I helped develop the Child Development program. I had the opportunity to audit schools sponsored by the organization and to interact with the community (teachers, children, women, and villagers in general). I wish my mission could have been longer! It was a personally and professionally enriching experience, thanks to both the VIN team and the international volunteers I met along the way.
I wish you all the very best !
Thank you, VIN!
Marie Cadoux
Sharing my experience as a Communication Intern, I chose the best platform for my Internship where my skills are recognised and polished by amazing supportive Supervisor Richa maam and inclusive VIN team who are always welcoming.
The whole journey is worth learning with flexible teammates. I recommend applying here to those who are looking for a platform to kick off their career path.
We are Aurore & Enzo, founders of the association BamboOsteo. We both went as osteopath for the physiotherapy mission with VIN's association. We stayed 4 weeks to NaraTika Community Learning Center of Thulachhap in Okhaldhunga. Our activies were various during our stay. We mainly carried out osteopathy's sessions for the local population. As well, we took care of the children throught activities that allowed them to learn or improve their English. It was an incredible experience for our first humanitarian mission ! We have been as close as possible to the communities, sharing their daily life, their way of life and their values. Unforgettable moments near these people. We would like to thank Bhupi and the entire VIN team for their welcome and support throughout the project. They were responsive and very attentive and listening to our ambitions and needs. It was a real pleasure to team up with them ! We hope that we can continue our involvement with VIN by sending regularly osteopaths to follow up with patients and improve their quality of life in the long term.
I have been involved with VIN since 2010 - first as a volunteer since as the founder of the first Friends of VIN - based in the Netherlands. I do not know where to start to praise the efforts (and results) made by VIN in some of the most rural and marginalized communities in Nepal. They work holistically with rural communities to ensure self-sustainability in the long run.
As a volunteer you will be taken good care of; after the 2-day induction VIN makes sure there are appropriate follow-ups at your project site and they also facilitate monthly volunteer meetings. It's truly a recommendable organization. This is how development should be done!
I was collaborating with VIN as Human Resources EU Aid Volunteer during one month. It has been a pleasure to have the opportunity to live in Kathamndu Valley with other great volunteers.
I have participated in other international volunteer experiences and I have to recognize that I was positively surprised how VIN is organised and how they manage all the volunteers. There were volunteers from all around the world and all of them were really motivated and with one specific project assigned.
The contact between all participants, the commitment VIN has and the chance to visit the communities and see how VIN is working with the most vulnerable families, has been an amazing experience for me and I cannot be more thankful.
Despite my volunteering should take 5 months, because of Covid 19 I was forced to leave Nepal after just one month and I would love to come back one day to keep doing what I was supposed to do. VIN is an amazing NGO that needs volunteers to keep supporting all projects they work with such as women’s and youth empowerment, children’s development, public health and environment conservation. I strongly recommend joining VIN for volunteer experience. You will have the opportunity to discover how amazing is Nepal and to contribute to create a more just and equal world.
I went to Nepal as EU Aid Volunteer in Community-based Development, hosted by Volunteers Initiative Nepal (VIN).
Despite having made several international cooperation trips before, all of them with small local NGOs doing a great selfless job, VIN Nepal is the most organized and committed local NGO I have met when it comes to assessing needs, implementing activities, or meeting project objectives. I applaud their effort because they are doing an amazing job with remarkable progress empowering marginalized communities.
My work was focused on Empowerment Programs, specifically on Women, Youth, and Dalit (the outcasts). I was deployed in the rural village of Nisanke, in Okhaldhunga, an incredibly beautiful community full of lovely people.
All the time I spend there I felt totally supported by the VIN team, they offered me language and cultural approach classes and they accompanied me through all the process of learning and getting to know the community and the projects, assisting me in any need and question.
Sadly, the COVID-19 has caused a social and economic crisis in Nepal, and VIN itself has really felt its effects directly. The absence of international volunteers, one of their principal sources of income, has caused a severe setback in their economy that has also forced them to dispense with much of their specialized local force... Many of the fieldwork projects supporting marginalized communities have been temporarily suspended due to lack of funds or physical incapacity, because of the long quarantine.
Now the quarantine is being lifted, and they need our support more than ever to continue their selfless support and expertise to Nepal's most marginalized communities, to cope with the loss of income, health risks, and domestic abuse, which has increased during isolation.
If you are looking for an organization to cooperate with as a volunteer in Nepal, I highly recommend VIN, as your work will have a real impact on people's lives.
Furthermore, any donation -large or small- will be greatly appreciated and will help VIN to continue giving their selfless support and expertise to Nepal's marginalized communities. I can say without a doubt that your funds will be spent on the field for direct impacts without wasting resources.
I have been working with Vin in November 2020 with the Women Empowerment project. Which was an amazing and wonderful experience! Everything was very well organized by Vin from the induction program, the lovely host family, the local volunteer working together with till the lovely women projects! I would never wanted to miss this, a life changing experience! I realy hope Vin can continue the wonderful work also in these difficult times!
I did volunteering with VIN three times, in toilet construction and house rebuilding. I really loved all of my experience with this organization. We were very well coached by so friendly staff. I lived in a welcoming host family with who I keep contact regularly. This family is forever a precious part on my social network. Each time, I met so nice other volunteers from all around the world. VIN create conditions to build closed and friendly relationships between volunteers; we are all members of a big team.The work was physically hard but so rewarding because we knew making a real difference in the quality of life of families. I loved so much Nepal and nepali people who became like a second home for me. Be sure that giving and sharing is a perfect recipe for happiness. Hope I have the opportunity to go back volunteering with VIN again
I have spent the best time of my life in this organization. Good team, good mentors and mental support motivates you to do more. Team collaboration and mutual support makes you more determined. I am so happy i got this opportunity to work with this organization. I would love to work again in future.
its great organisation,I think I have known VIN frm 2017 and get to know amazing work done by VIN for poor people and vulnarable kids. I was been there last year.
Volunteers Initiative Nepal (VIN) is the best non-profit organization to empower marginalized communities in Nepal in my experience!
I worked as a volunteer in November 2019 on the Earthquake Appeal, building new houses for families who had their homes destroyed in the 2015 Earthquake.
It was an amazing experience; the team at V.I.N were amazing and my Host Family was incredible. I can't wait to return to Nepal and get involved again. I met so many brilliant volunteers and made many friends with whom I shared unforgettable memories with!
The work was hard but extremely rewarding as we directly interacted with the family who's house we were building. I recommend to everyone!
Amazing lifetime experience! I could meet amazing people from all over the world and make many local friends in Nepal!
I did an internship of 2 months with VIN as a medical volunteer in the tinpiple (KTM valley) village in 2013, as a medical volunteer.
It was a very great personal and professional experience. I really apreciated how professionnal was thé team and the 100% community based approach.
I did a medical voluntering in a primary health care center and i conducted a survey on the impact of the previous WASH activities conducted in the community (hygiene awarness and toilet construction). The feed back of the community was extremely clear on how much the actions of VIN had a positive impact on the quality of life of the people living in the village.
Hello to every one in the team i wish you the best
Vincent from France
My daughter volunteered with VIN in their early days and it was clearly a grass roots organization doing their best in a very under-served country and area. They put their heart and soul into their efforts. Everyone involved is committed to bettering the lives of people in small villages especially the women and young girls. No bureaucracy or overhead eating up donations. Meeting the founder will restore anyone's faith in humanity.
I volunteered for VIN in 2007 when it was just starting up and I highly recommend VIN then and now. VIN was very welcoming and supportive during my entire stay. I had a wonderful host family and taught English at the local schools. Bhupendra, VIN's director, and his staff are very dedicated and are making a great impact on the community. The Nepali are some of the most wonderful people I have met and working with VIN is a great way to experience this culture while giving back. I have remained in contact with VIN and Bhupi throughout the years and have seen VIN grow into a beautiful NGO which is helping more and more people everyday thanks to their hard work and passion.
I was with VIN for 8 weeks back in 2012. The host family experience was amazing, and I much enjoyed the staff and other volunteers -- felt very well supported. Nepal is a perfect locale for a volunteering stint.
This organization helped me from beginning to end with my journey in Nepal. They prepare you with cultural and language lessons at their induction program. They have a hostel where you can stay and meet other volunteers. During your program they keep contact with you to make sure everything is going good. They also provide the opportunity to do weekend trips to other regions or city's which they will arrange for you if you are interested. It is a small organization with a great staff.
I am the manager of a nunnery in Nepal, and we have had volunteer teachers from VIN helping to educate our young nuns since 2015. All the volunteers selected to come to us were exactly suited to our needs, and our young nuns, who all come from the remote Dolpa district, have profited enormously. Not only English, but a whole range of subjects are taught, depending on the skills and inclinations of the volunteers. Handicrafts, music, we even had a mini Olympic games. The volunteers also enjoy the life and routines of a Tibetan nunnery, something they would never otherwise experience, and the young nuns get insights into other cultures and lifestyles they also would never experience. VIN is well organised and always monitors the volunteers to make sure they are in good health and enjoying their time in Nepal. The picture is of the young nuns having lunch in the nunnery garden. Kunga Gyaltsen.
I volunteered with VIN last October, participating in their Raising Peace Campaign (a Women's Empowerment project). VIN staff were welcoming, friendly, and extremely helpful. For my project, I teamed up with another international volunteer, two local volunteers, and two managers from the EU Aid program. One time, it took us an hour to walk up the mountain to reach a school where we would do a workshop, but it was a fun long walk where I was able to engage in meaningful conversations with my team members. Overall, it was a good volunteer and learning experience for me.
What an amazing charity!! This organisation makes such a difference to the lives of the people in the small villages around the Kathmandu area. It focus its attention on where the need is greatest and it delivers a wide range of help and assistance. I worked on the Women’s Empowerment Project and was blown away by how the work being done enabled these women to work together to collectively produce and sell their goods, manage their finances and make a huge difference to their families’ lives. I hope to return one day.
I volunteered with Volunteers Initiative Nepal in 2008 and had a truly life changing experience. I saw first hand the hard work and dedication the V.I.N. team put into training the volunteers, staying in touch, and keeping us safe. I have remained connected to the organization because I whole-heartedly believe in the value of their mission and the integrity of their leadership.
I staid with VIN for 6 months, doing my University internship on rainwater harvesting opportunities in rural Nepal. Throughout this time I had the chance to stay in two locations, Jitpur Phedi and Taluwa.
My time with VIN has been amazing and all that I could have wished for. I have been so heartily welcomed into the houses and communities. People were keen on showing me around and they did all they could to include me in their daily lives and, especially, celebrations.
VIN is a very dedicated, hands-on and serious organisation. They do have a major positive impact on the communities they work in. I have the deepest respect for the determination of VIN to leave a positive mark in the lifes of people who are less fortunate.
I can only highly recommend VIN. My time as thought me so many valuable lessons, and I still feel deeply connected to Nepal in a way I would have never been able without meeting these people.
I'm proud to be able to say that I'm part of the VIN community and still follow with a smiling heart all the developments that are happening since I've been there.
VIN is a very dedicated NGO to facilitate more resources in remote areas in Nepal. We had cooperated with VIN to set up a new community learning center after the earthquake. VIN is NGO with passionate and hard-work people.
a great and useful organization. I was volunteer with them in 2019, we helped poor families to rebuild their house.
Very professional and kind staff
I was volunteering in a Child Protection project in Nepal with the organisation Volunteers Initiative Nepal (VIN). I was working in five schools in the rural area of Nepal, in a little village called Nishankhe in Okhaldhunga District, around 10 hours from Katmandu. I lived with other volunteers, international and local, for four months from November to March, before we were evacuated due to the Covid19 pandemic. The local people welcomed us with open arms and was a fulfilling experience that I could never imagine living.
The organisation Volunteers Initiative Nepal (VIN) is working in this area playing a significative role in this community. In my volunteering experience, I have seen how is their response to overcome some of the issues.
First of all, when I arrived in Nishankhe, VIN was finishing to build the NaraTika Community Learning Center, a huge building with the propose to empowering the people bringing nonformal education programs to young and adult people. At the same time, a big
group of volunteers from the Mahrberg Library came to rigged the installations with learning materials and raise awareness about the new learning centre in schools.
Secondly, VIN has been working in collaboration with PiSL (Partners in Sustainable Learning) providing funds to pay the salary of ECD teachers and training for the local community related to education and leadership. Diann Grim, PiSL's director, whom I had the pleasure to meet during my experience, provided also with teaching materials to the teachers always followed by training.
Thirdly, VIN has a scholarship program that aims to protect the rights of all the children in the community by providing access to the basic level of education. Most of the children at Okhaldhunga are not completing their primary education because of their family economic status.
One of our contribution to this volunteering project was to create a need assessment to provide with basic information about the community to the next volunteers because when we arrived we could not know much about the area, in this way the next volunteers can have an overview about the needs of the community.
Also, we were working in different schools providing English lessons and art and craft workshops with waste materials. Our main objective was encouraging them to express themselves by improving their soft skills and practising their English in real conversations. Further, we were showing teachers other ways to teach apart from the teacher-centred method.
Finally, before we were evacuated, we developed a network of projects to raise funds for different needs of the community, but unfortunately, because of the pandemic, we could not launch it. Hopefully, the next volunteers can help us to do it.
I cannot tell you how impressive this organisation is. They look after you as a volunteer and deliver fantastic projects. What is particularly brilliant is their place centred project work, tackling all of the issues in a single location and keeping at that until the community no longer need support.
i worked on a women's empowerment project and this culminated in the construction of the first women's business centre in Nepal - a place where the women can be economically independent.
This is the most amazing organization I have ever had the honor to work with. Simply...they get stuff done, no matter how hard the challenge. They treat volunteers with total kindness and respect. Their volunteer training is extensive and excellent, preparing you for varied volunteer tasks in Nepal. The work they do truly matters and makes an impact. Yet Vin makes sure you are family included in the wondrous culture of Nepal. Last summer I volunteered with women's small businesses. I was enchanted by the hard working people and culture. They also organize trips for you during your volunteering breaks. I hiked Annapurna and met elephants. They have a great leader in Bhupi Ghimire, who has vision and the ability to get it done! It was a joy of a lifetime to work with then and I look forward to returning soon!
I spend 10 days in Nepal, closely observing VIN's projects outside of Kathmandu & spending time with the staff. The volunteer programs were very well organized & meaningful. I got to learn a lot about the social issues in Nepal, yet felt like I was part of the family. The founder, Bhupi is such a commendable & inspiring leader. I continue to be in touch with him & highly recommend anyone going to Nepal to spend a few days with VIN.
I worked with VIN in 2014, helping to re-write much of their website at the time. During this period, the organisation arranged for me to stay with a family in Kathmandu - who opened their lives and gave up a lot of their time and available space for me.
What was most important to me was working with an organisation that had true development at their core and where effort and finances were consistent with the organisation's publicised focus. Transparency was really important to me.
While I commuted to the office each day and tried to absorb life in Kathmandu (this involved getting up for 05:00 recreational morning walk with the family and occasionally meeting the local lama for tea on the way home) I began to get to know the NGO from it's foundations upwards, at times consulting with Bhupi, principal founder. VIN's focus is community development, desperately needed across Nepal, with a strong emphasis on education and the empowerment of women.
I am inspired by the energy, focus and determination of Bhupi and his story of emerging from such a community assisted by the strength, hardwork and innovation of his parents, to go on to help others.
I am proud of the time I spent with VIN, whole-heartedly recommend them and will continue to support them.
Nepal has always fascinated me. In 2009 I did an internship of Journalism with the wonderful organization of VIN.
I spent my time making documentaries about the work of Volunteers Initative Nepal and I was helping out with VINs website content. I got to understand and contribute to the program work in the communities and was also based in a village called Tinpiple. A local doctor and nurses took me to the health camp work they did in remote hill villages. I've learned more about their Health and sanitation programs around the area of Tinpiple. I've also visited multiple times the program work of teaching in Buddhist Monasteries to shoot video content.
Being part of VIN community is a so much then working and contributing to their programs. The part where you get a total cultural immersion is equally enriching experience. My host family an VIN’s staff were extremely hospitable and during our free time we went walking, or shall I say climbing, through the community, talking and drinking tea in the village. Yes, you will learn some Nepali! By living with my host family for many weeks or months, you get a real sense of the Nepali culture and the importance of being part of a community.
Though my time with Volunteers Initiative Nepal, I’ve made a lifelong strong connection with this beautiful country. I will never forget the strength and resourcefulness of the staff of VIN. It's inspirational!
I was with VIN for 6 months as a Senior Volunteer Coordination and Management EU Aid Volunteer. It was supposed to be 8 months but unfortunately the coronavirus pandemic cut my deployment short.
However, I thoroughly enjoyed my time at VIN.
My role focussed on helping VIN to streamline and review their volunteer recruitment processes and procedures. I was mainly based in the head office in Kathmandu and I got to see how hard the volunteering team is working to make sure that each volunteer feels appreciated and supported.
It was really nice to meet my new colleagues and they welcomed me with open arms. I felt accepted and included from the start. I also received a three day induction, which included health and safety, an overview of how VIN works, cultural information as well as some Nepali lessons.
During my time at VIN, I accompany the volunteer coordinators to visit volunteers at their placements and get their feedback.
The combination of seeing volunteers and projects in action, talking directly to beneficiaries, in combination with the work I did behind the scenes made this placement such a joy. I feel humbled and fortunate to have had the opportunity to contribute my volunteer management skills to VIN and for them being open to them in return.
I got to know so many lovely volunteers and interns from all over the world. Whether it’s interviewing volunteers, getting to know them through the induction process or supporting them in their placement- I always enjoy learning something new about people.
That is one of the reasons I chose my career in volunteer management. I find people interesting and it fascinates me that, independent of the country of origin, what binds people together is sharing the desire to learn together and make an impact.
I’m very aware and privileged to be part of some of the volunteers’ lives, even if it’s just for a short time.
And I know that VIN works tirelessly to support volunteers. I also really admire their passion, hard-work and commitment to supporting marginalized communities. I can't recommend them enough!