VIN doesn’t just serve the community, it is a part of the community, often for many years. We are dedicated to our work and are committed to excellence in everything we do. This is the approach and attitude we practice in serving the local communities in Nepal. There are many, many reasons to choose volunteering projects with us. Some of the reasons why you should choose us to volunteer are listed below:
AFFORDABLE
We offer the most affordable volunteer program fees for this type of volunteering. The volunteer and internship programs you choose have value for money. There is no hidden cost added. No expensive premises to maintain or high management overheads.
INCLUSIVE
Everyone can volunteer – yes, everyone. All age groups, from students to retired, illiterate to university degree holders, unskilled to skilled. We don’t discriminate against volunteers on account of age or ability.
SUSTAINABLE
We are the pioneering organisation for the holistic approach of community empowerment through the deployment of volunteers. All our projects are developed based on the community needs after a thorough baseline assessment. We create local organizations like women, children, youth clubs, schools, cooperatives, and community centers and work together with them to develop their financial and operational capacity. We do not leave them until they are fully functional. (VIN have worked in JitpurPhedi for over 10 years). The projects are developed to meet local needs; volunteers choose what project they best fit. The projects continue whether there are volunteers or not – by our permanent local staff. So as a volunteer, you complement our project, and you won’t replace our staff.
LOCAL INITIATIVE
VIN is 100% local; we don’t have expensive headquarters in London or large cities. We founded VIN to give back to the community we belong to. The organization is a result of a long working experience in the development field. So the money you donate / pay goes 100% to VIN-established projects. No middleman, no cut in between. So you will always see a value for your money.
TRUSTWORTHY
VIN was founded in 2005. Over 5000 volunteers have participated in our projects from all over the world. Our happy returned volunteers have also legally registered Friends of VIN in the Netherlands, USA, UK, and Australia. We are a member of ALLIANCE of European Voluntary Service Organisations, CCIVS – Coordinating Committee of International Voluntary Service, NVDA (Network for Voluntary Development Asia), and the only certified volunteer hosting organization by the European Aid Volunteers Initiative. VIN partner with hundreds of other local organizations.
HEALTH, SAFETY AND SECURITY
We care about our volunteers. That’s why our past volunteers call Nepal their second home. Volunteers’ safety and security are our highest priorities which is reflected in our outstanding safety record. Assessment of the risks volunteers may encounter is a standard procedure for all projects, with strict adherence to established guidelines for risk management.
Comprehensive coverage of volunteer health, safety, and security is ensured during the mandatory induction process. Audits of health, hygiene, safety, and security conditions are conducted regularly at our hostels, homestays, and partner institutions. Despite these measures, it is highly recommended that volunteers travel with a valid insurance policy.