As a Child Protection Intern at Volunteers Initiative Nepal (VIN), I gained invaluable hands-on experience working directly within government schools in rural regions like Okhaldhunga. This immersive field placement allowed me to apply my academic background in Social Work and Psychology to real-world humanitarian challenges. By addressing educational barriers and child welfare needs in underserved communities, I significantly deepened my professional expertise and my personal commitment to the sector.

I had an amazing time during my internship at VIN. I absolutely loved going into the community and working with the team—the staff were very supportive, and I learned a lot from the experience. What really motivated me every day was the idea of contributing to something bigger than myself. I didn’t expect anything in return; I just wanted to give every bit of myself. From volunteering in schools to being involved in construction projects, everything was meaningful.

I also really enjoyed the community-based living experience. Staying with other volunteers from different countries, sharing cultures, stories, and everyday life was something very special. Even though it was just two months, we connected really well, and those bonds meant a lot to me.

The people in Okhaldhunga were incredibly welcoming to VIN volunteers. Walking 2–3 hours through the mountains to reach communities was such a beautiful experience, and the kindness of local people—offering whatever they had at home—was truly touching.

It was an experience I will always value.

I have always wanted to travel to Nepal, but I didn't want to just be a tourist, I wanted to give back to local communities, learn from them and to have a truly in-country experience. So I decided to volunteer at VIN (Volunteers Initiative Nepal) in the womens empowerment program and facilitate stress management and emotional resilience, because this was most aligned with my work, skills and passions in psychotherapy and empathy culture back in Australia. Memorable moments that will stay with me include hearing the women sharing about their feelings, needs and learning the joy and value of listening better to eachother, standing in circle passing around a wombat, whilst the women listened to eachother, as well as when we passed around a handclap in our circle, sharing that this symbolises how we pass love around in the community and it letting it come back to us and seeing the women laughing and smile at this and get it. I can honestly say that everyone in the VIN team was super supportive, accessible and available to answer all my questions whether online before arriving in Nepal, in person or on whatsapp during my stay. I felt like I'd been welcomed into a supportive community of big hearted people. The biggest thing I learned was how to make my work more practical, accessible, fun and engaging for rural women in a language I do not speak and to be inclusive with women who can or cannot read in Nepali. I would definitely recommend volunteering with VIN, they are super adaptable to your skills and passion and work broadly with women, youth, children, conservation, animals, medical, education, environment and disaster resilience. You may be suprised how your skills and passions might be useful for the Nepali community members either in Kathmandu or rurally. If you are going rural I recommend volunteering for at least 3 weeks as the induction, travel and breaks take about 1week off your volunteering time. So be sure to make sufficient time to enjoy the cultural exchange.

I was very interested to experience Nepal’s eastern region, but in the capacity a volunteer rather than a tourist, having travelled around Nepal mainly to the west over 7 previous trips. The opportunity arose to experience volunteering through VIN in Okhaldunga, a beautiful mountainous wooded area in the southern part of the Everest region, an authentic area, untouched by tourism. From initial UK-based overtures to VIN, through arrival, induction, placement in the lovely Nishenke NaraTika Community Learning Centre (CLC) in the Okhaldunga region, and the actual volunteering sessions, I was met with enthusiastic support and interest from VIN’s lovely professional staff. The experience was so rewarding: the locals and their motivation in turning up for yoga practice before starting a long day in the fields; the somewhat unruly schoolchildren changing from unruly kids to becoming engaged, motivated and very competent in just a few weeks. Without doubt, the support and engagement provided by the CLC staff with translation and logistics drove the success of my time there.

For anyone interested in contributing to the improvement of local community living conditions, I really recommend VIN’s organisation. They have achieved a lot already including sanitation, hygiene, drinkable water, health projects. Whatever you feel you can offer is applied with meaningful consideration. You also gain an experience, interest and deep understanding of authentic Nepali culture. From mixing with the locals, and talking to the VIN staff, I finished my placement with an enhanced and humbling view of what is really important in life. VIN's dedicated staff reaffirms one's belief in the goodness of human nature.

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 volunteers. And I made some really good friends. The best part of my volunteering was community people, they were very loving, I loved their hospitality. In these 2 months, I participated in many projects. Some of were awareness programs on early marriage and human trafficking. Another was before, during and after the earthquake. I did a 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 walked with the dogs , brushed them and contributed to their welfare. I also rescued injured dogs and took them to the clinic. It was important for me to take my time to interact with the dogs, as they have variety of circuses. And the people at the center have a very deep love for the dogs. It was a great experience for me to be a part of the community while feeling that. This was a great experience and the support from VIN was very good, which made me feel at ease with the activity.You will experience a better life experience here.

I had a precious experience in VIN for 3 weeks.

I had a lot of chances to visit local communities, and local schools, and I learned a lot about Nepal. I didn’t know Nepal still has various issues such as trafficking, and child marriage. I also stayed with a host family, visited sightseeing spots, and got absorbed in festivals. They were really fun for me. Overall I really appreciate other volunteers, staff, host family, villagers, all of them. I highly recommend you to join us too, if you want to experience “authentic Nepal”.

7 semaines après mon arrivée, il est temps pour moi de retourner en France. Je suis resté 6 semaines dans un monastère à Kathmandu avec l’aide de VIN. Ma mission était d’enseigner l’anglais aux enfants moines du monastère, j’ai pu créer un lien avec eux et créer des souvenirs inoubliables. J’ai eu la chance d’aller à Lumbini avec eux et visiter cet endroit toujours avec les enfants et leur bonne humeur! Lors de ma dernière semaine je suis allé à Pokhara afin de visiter les montagnes et les paysages que peut nous offrir le Népal.

Merci à VIN pour cette experience, je le recommande à toutes personnes souhaitant visiter le Nepal!

English Version:
7 weeks after my arrival, it is time for me to return to France. I stayed 6 weeks in a monastery in Kathmandu with the help of VIN. My mission was to teach English to the child monks of the monastery, I was able to create a bond with them and create unforgettable memories. I had the chance to go to Lumbini with them and visit this place always with the children and their good humor! During my last week, I went to Pokhara to visit the mountains and landscapes that Nepal can offer us.

Thanks to VIN for this experience, I recommend it to anyone wishing to visit Nepal!