HIV/AIDS Work in Nepal with Projects Abroad

  Nepal

• Kathmandu: 
Kathmandu

Term: Throughout the year 
Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks, 3-6 months and 7-12 months
Typical Duration of Program: 9-12 weeks
Dates: All Year Round / Rolling-Starts

Description: Nepal is a fascinating country to explore while making a meaningful contribution doing volunteer work abroad. Infused with beautiful scenery, delicious food, and diverse people, Nepal offers a breadth of experiences you are likely to never forget.

One way to really get involved in the culture is by working with children affected by HIV/AIDS. Since the first case of AIDS was reported in the late 1980s, the Nepali government has been trying to curb its spread among target groups. Children born with the virus are becoming more and more common in and around urban areas, which is where you can help.

Volunteer Opportunities Abroad Working with Children Affected by HIV/AIDS in Nepal

In Nepal, we work with an HIV/AIDS center called Manisha Singh Punarjeevan Niwas (MSPN). The program is named after the Late Manisha Singh who helped those with HIV/AIDS. She worked at a time when people were very reluctant to talk about the disease.

MSPN is specifically targeted at children under 10 who have HIV/AIDS. This is a care and support program where the child comes with their mother or father and is kept for long-term treatment. They are given a nutritious diet to boost their health as well as counseling on HIV/AIDS. It is a free center for both the child and their caretaker and residents normally stay between six months to one year.

Working at MSPN will be a challenge, but ultimately very rewarding. Volunteers generally work between four to six hours a day in the center by helping out with daily tasks. You may be asked to feed the children, play with them, give lessons, or just spend time together. Whatever you're doing, by giving these children attention they otherwise might not get and taking their minds off the problem at hand, you'll help in creating happy childhood memories.

Highlights: On your days off from voluntary work, there's always something going on in Nepal. Kathmandu attracts pilgrims as well as tourists, so there are plenty of religious festivals, rallies and attractions.

You can try a pizza Nepali-style, feast on the traditional Dal Bhat, or enjoy a buffalo steak at the Everest Steak House. If you're hungry for something other than food, visit the temples in Durbar Square, or go mountain biking in the Kathmandu Valley.

Nepal is the perfect location for anyone who loves the outdoors. The mountainous terrain is perfect for those seeking extreme climbing or trekking activities. Who wouldn't relish the unforgettable experience of hiking in the foothills of Mount Everest? There are also places to go white-water rafting in the foaming glacial rivers, or take an adventure trek through the jungle.

Qualifications: none

Cost in US$: From USD 2,245 and Up

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Open-minded with a willingness to travel.

Age Range: 16 and up

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Nepal Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups of 2-5

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Projects Abroad's Mission Statement: As part of the global economy, Projects Abroad helps create local employment wherever we send volunteers. Employing local staff overseas and using their talents and knowledge is important to us. This local knowledge and support enables the organization to channel the skills of the volunteers from more affluent countries to regions around the world where they are needed. Volunteers also learn from their placements and the people they meet, and they gain experience in a chosen field. In the 21st century, we believe this mutual respect is what cultural exchange is all about.

Year Founded: 1992