Volunteers Initiative Nepal is a non-religious, non-political, non-governmental
organization established in 2005. Our mission is to empower marginalized communities, focusing on women and children, through inclusive and holistic development programs.
This is done through the following development areas that run through every single program we offer:
• Education
• Health and Environment
• Economy
• Basic Infrastructure

Only if we have equal access to education, a healthy lifestyle, and an environment, grow our economy for the country but also on an individual basis, and make our infrastructure better, we can grow as people and as a nation.

Nepal, a landlocked country between India and China, is famous for its spectacular Himalayan landscapes, but it also faces significant challenges in terms of food security and agricultural sustainability. This volunteer project focuses on permaculture, an approach to agriculture that draws inspiration from nature to create productive, resilient, and environmentally friendly systems. The fundamental principle is to prioritize small-scale, gradual solutions that use local resources, thereby ensuring more sustainable results for communities.
Volunteers work hand in hand with local farmers who have been trained in permaculture techniques by our partner organization. The volunteer’s involvement is all a form of practical support.
The volunteer’s daily activities may include:
designing and developing farms according to permaculture principles;
carrying out hands-on agricultural tasks such as planting, weeding, irrigation, and harvesting;
training new farmers in permaculture practices and providing practical support for their implementation;
assisting in the production of organic fertilizers, such as compost, to enrich the soil without the use of chemicals.
The project offers the opportunity to experience a unique and meaningful stay in Nepal.

VIN has a hostel which can accommodate up to 35 people, with up to five bunk beds per room.
During the volunteer induction, volunteers will share these rooms.
If the hostel is unavailable, VIN organizes accommodation close-by in a hotel or different hostel.
During your stay at the host family or monastery/nunnery, your sleeping arrangements may be private to sharing basis.
Bathroom and toilet facilities are shared with your host family or monks/ nuns.
Hygiene standards vary from family to family/place to place. Sometimes it is very basic, and hot water might only be available. We kindly ask volunteers to be flexible and be prepared to cope with non-western standards.

In regards to food, volunteers will receive three meals a day, in Nepali standard. The main dishes are rice-based such as Daal Bhat (lentil soup and rice), vegetables and curries are staple foods.
Nepalese people rarely eat meat or fish and have a mainly vegetarian diet. Eating bread is also uncommon. Nepalese food is high in carbs.
If you wish to supplement your foods with more variety (such as types of vegetables, eggs or fruits) then the cost lies with you but host families are happy to prepare the extra food items for you.
In the host families and monasteries/ nunnery you will share their food and please inform us if have any specific allergies or dietary requirements.

To take part in this project, volunteers must:
be at least 18 years old;
be in good physical condition to carry out outdoor agricultural activities;
have a genuine interest in sustainable agriculture, permaculture, and environmental issues;
demonstrate flexibility, strong adaptability, and respect for local customs and traditions.

We ask volunteers to send us the flight details as soon as possible so that we can arrange the airport pick-up. We have a one-time airport pickup/drop-off facility.
One of VIN’s staff members will wait at the airport for pick up and then bring you to VIN’s

All the registration formalities will be completed in the first three days during the induction period. This will consist of understanding and signing a contract and paying the project fee.
Please note that the entire project fee will be collected during the induction days.
You will have to produce a photocopy of your passport and of your visa as well as a passport photo. VIN will issue a volunteer identity card for you.

Inductions start every 1st and 3rd Monday of each month.
The induction period is part of your placement and it will provide essential information about VIN, the project, our culture, and customs.
So please arrive one day BEFORE to the induction date.

The induction will last 2 to 3 full days (accommodation and food is provided) and includes the following topics:
• Introduction to the organization: A brief history of VIN, its projects, and working sites.
• Sightseeing: It’s important for us that volunteers see sites of cultural importance, such as Boudhanath, Swayambhunath, Patan Durbar Square and other areas.
• Cultural and health tips: Nepal has lots of different rules and regulations in our culture and these tips will help volunteers to adapt to the Nepali lifestyle.
We also provide information about how to stay safe whilst being in Nepal. This includes health and safety tips, information about foods and travel tips. VIN has its own doctor so if you have any concerns whilst on placement, you can get help right away.
• Nepali Language Classes: Each volunteer receives two to three Nepali language classes from one of VIN’s staff members. This will help with basic communication.
• Placement Information: All volunteers receive a support pack with detailed information about the placement, host family, and a daily schedule of volunteers.
• Project Orientation: Volunteers meet their supervisors, who will spend time with each other and plan for their projects.