Volunteer Society Nepal was founded on a belief that we could do more for volunteers, and simultaneously do more for the development of our home-country

During the decade long civil war from 1995, Nepal’s fragile economy was shattered. Already poor families now had even bleaker opportunities for a decent livelihood. Children and women became even more vulnerable to abuse, exploitation, family separation, recruitment for conflict-related purposes and illegal detention. This merely compounded the issues associated with Nepal’s long history of caste discrimination and social marginalization, which causes immense disparities within society.

At the height of the conflict in 2004 we gathered a team of Nepalese development workers, including social activists, international and national volunteers because we believed we could combat the prevalent shortages of Education, Health and Women’s Rights in Nepal more efficiently than the existing international organizations

Our Objectives:

• MAXIMISE VOLUNTEER IMPACT: Enable international volunteers to make a significant contribution to the ongoing development of Nepal
• IMPROVE EDUCATIONAL STANDARDS: Develop the strength and capacity of Nepali children to work towards their own development and that of the nation as a whole
• EMPOWER WOMEN: Work with women to develop their economic and social independence through education and skills training
• PROVIDE SKILLS TRAINING IN POOREST COMMUNITIES : Help train, educate and support the poorest communities to allow them to manage their own development projects

Volunteer Society Nepal’s achievements so far:

1. The Career Building International Academy:
A charitable school

In 2006 we set up the CBIA scho0l in Pepsi-Cola Town Planning, Kathmandu. The school educates over 300 pupils from 5- 16 years old. The school provides an opportunity for children from all social and economic backgrounds to receive a high quality education. The school supports 40 disadvantaged children on full scholarships.

 

2.  The New Life Children’s Home:
Love and care for orphans

 In 2005 VSN set up the New Life Children’s Home in Pepsi Cola Town Planning. This is home to 12 very energetic and lovable children from 4-13 years old. We provide everything they need; food, clothing, love, education and a warm bed. The orphange is managed by Gelu Sherpa and has one live in ama (mother) and two full time didi’s (older sisters).

3. Health Clinics:
Free healthcare for poor communities

With funds raised through volunteers VSN has managed to establish two health clinics to support the health needs of low income families. One is based in Pepsi-cola Town Planning and the other is minutes away. In both clinics a sliding scale fee system means that everyone can afford the facilities they need. We are also establishing a much needed health clinic in Pokhara. Watch this space!

4. Womens’ Groups:
Education and skills training for dependent women

In Pepsi-Cola Town Planning VSN runs a tailors shop that trains and employs women who have been left by husbands they were dependent upon. We also run Nepali and English literacy classes for any women who want to attend within the community. VSN also supports skill training groups for low income women in Bhaktapur.

Alongside these projects Volunteer Society Nepal provides donations to other charitable organisations in need. These vary from medical supplies to health clinics to building whole classrooms for schools. VSN currently provides medical checks, education, fresh fruit and vegetables and clothing support for over 100 orphans.

Videos: Click here to watch our videos and to get a clear idea of what VSN does in Nepal

The VSN Team:

Tej Shrestha: VSN Director, Kathmadu

Originally from the Solukhumbu district, Tej has more than 15 years experience working in national and international aid organizations. Tej started his career as a Nepali language Instructor for expatriates staff of companies such as SNV, FAO, SPW, the British Council and the United Mission to Nepal. Tej then worked as Admin & Finance Officer with the British charity Global Action Nepal for three years and as a Program Officer with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) for four years. He left the ICRC in 2008 to work full time on VSN.

Dinesh Rajbandhari: VSN Director, Pokhara

Dinesh has more than 15 years of experience of language, cross-cultural training and volunteer management in both Nepal and in the USA. Having graduated from Tribhuvan university he took summer programs at the University of Minnesota, USA on (i) Second Language Acquisition (ii) Strategies Based Instruction (iii) Maximizing Study Abroad. With this experience he has worked as Head of the Language and Orientation Training Department in International Nepal Fellowship (INF) for six years and wrote Nepali language books: Introductory Nepali Course and Nepali – A Beginner’s Course. He has also worked managing volunteers with Students Partnership Worldwide (SPW) and worked as a program coordinator for Miami University, USA Nepal experience program for several years. He is also Co-founder and Director of Sam’s House – A Nepalese orphanage in Pokhara.

Sugandha Shrestha: Volunteer Liaison Manager

Sugandha was a teacher for five years in his home town Okhaldhunga before he became a full time language trainer for a foreigner’s Nepali language program. He taught and managed this Nepali language program for more than 15 years and for the last five years he has been working as program manager for VSN. As program manager he is responsible for all the volunteer management on the ground in Nepal like receiving volunteers at the airport, arranging homestays, drawing up schedules for their training and work, and day to day support for the overseas volunteers.

Gelu Sherpa: Tour Guide

Gelu is originally from Salleri, Solukhumbu district. After graduating from Tribhuvan University, he has consistently been involved in Nepal’s tourism sector. After working in this field for 15 years as a trekking guide and manager of Inventive Panorama trekking company he has an excellent knowledge of the mountains, cities and cultural sites of the country. He also manages the Everest Foundation Children’s Home Orphanage in Kathmandu.

Accreditation:

• VSN is registered with the District Administration Office under the Organizational Registration Act and has also been affiliated with the SWC (Social Welfare Council) in Nepal. Non-profit status was received in June 2004
• Charity Registration No: 1087/061/61
• Oh… and we are recommended in the Nepal Lonely Planet
  

Tej has visited several counties like Shrilanka, Thailand, Cambodia and India for several times.