Volunteers Initiative Nepal

Volunteers Initiative Nepal (VIN) is a non-religious, non-political, non-governmental, non-for-profit organization (NGO) which was founded in 2005 by a diverse group drawn from development workers, educationalists, social activists and other professionals. VIN is officially registered under the Society Act with the District Administration Office Kathmandu (Reg No. 147/062/63), and is also affiliated to the Social Welfare Council Nepal (SWC) (Affiliation No. 20910). VIN focuses on community-based projects involving local volunteers backed up by international volunteers.

Objectives

VIN aims to give people the right tools and knowledge to help themselves. The focus is on helping women and children through special educational programs and community training projects conducted independently and/or in association with likeminded organizations. VIN has adopted an integrated community development approach through voluntary services by welcoming overseas and local volunteers.

Specific objectives include:

• To help make women self-reliant through a number of initiatives including literacy classes; income generation projects; savings and credits groups and raising awareness on health, sanitation and the environment.

• To support and provide facilities for early childhood development, encouraging a good, basic foundation for young children at the start of their education.

• Provide a platform for children to participate in non-formal creative activities, as well as developing their life skills and making them aware of their basic rights, through the establishment of Children's Clubs in schools.

• To help children who have suffered as a result of the conflict to regain access to education.

• Provide sponsored education to disadvantaged children including orphans, conflict victim children and children from very poor and disadvantaged families.

• Provide community youths with English language classes; a youth club forum in which to enhance their social and professional skills and with the opportunity to volunteer within their local community.

• Raise awareness of the need for English language skills and to facilitate the teaching of English within schools, monasteries and nunneries.

• Help ensure the quality of education being provided, through conducting teacher training workshops, seminars and exch