VECGK: Preservation Through Progress

  Nepal

• Kathmandu: 
Kathmandu

Durations of Program: 9-12 weeks, 3-6 months and 7-12 months
Typical Duration of Program: 3-6 months
Dates: Year round

Description: VECGK's Preservation Through Progress campaign focuses on improving living conditions in Nepali Himalyan villages. These rural communities have little in the way of functioning medical clinics or schools, and many are leaving the villages to live in Kathmandu or work in jobs abroad. As a result, children are often left in the care of Kathmandu boarding schools without any link to their native culture. VECGK works directly in these remote communities to establish medical clinics and boarding schools, and also to help provide the population with the tools they need to create a healthy local economy.

The areas in which we operate are at least one full day's travel on foot and by bus from Kathmandu. The villages are in mountainous regions which see little or nothing in the way of electrity, running water, or other modern conveniences. Volunteers in this program may be asked to fill any number of roles. For example, they may be asked to help build a school, help install its solar panels, or teach. Volunteers might be asked to travel as part of a team to several villages to raise awareness about the boarding school as a kind of "roving teacher". Volunteers may be asked to help in the planning of an organic garden, or medical volunteers might help un a remote medical clinic and be responsible for the diagnosis and treatment of the areas sick and injured.

Highlights: Because VECGK is an up and coming organization, volunteers have a large role in helping to shape the programs. This is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in an area largely unspoiled by industry but one in where this lack of development is a double-edged sword for the local populations. Life here is difficult, and volunteers working in the region will be tasked with its improvement. The results of this work are often tangible and apparent, whether it be educating a child who would otherwise not have an opportunity for school, or providing healthcare to a local who would otherwise suffer without it.

There are many perks to volunteering with VECGK. Arranged homestays are a wonderful tool to really get to know the families and culture you are interacting with. Language classes are available for the instruction of Nepali and Sherpa, which are useful when living in areas where there is little understanding of English. Long-term volunteers (those who stay over three months) will enjoy a week of free trekking in the Helambu region by an experienced guide working for the program.

Qualifications:
*All volunteers must have strong English language skills
*professional appearance
*a respect for the local customs
*It is necessary that volunteers be in good physical and mental condition and have traveler's health insurance.
*Medical volunteers should provide details on their professional experience in a cover letter and resume/CV to the project manager.
*Volunteers are asked to stay for at least two months, and must agree to all terms outlined in the Volunteer Guide, available from the VECGK project manager.

Cost in US$: $70/month

Experience Required: yes

Medical volunteers must submit details of their profession and experience. While experience is not necessary for teaching, it is suggested, though it is most important for volunteers to have some experience living away from modern conveniences, or at least the capability to do so.

Typical Volunteer: A typical volunteer for VECGK is one who is open to the experience of a prolonged stay in a foreign culture, away from modern conveniences. Most have had a high school or college education, and are used to traveling. Many are interested in Buddhism or in working in rural coommunities. Some regard work of this nature as an alternative to state-sponsored organizations (ie Peace Corps). A volunteer is in good physical and mental health, and be ready to perform a number of functions. Our volunteers are able to lend a hand, but realize that they are outsiders and form a collaborative solution to solving some of the region's problems.

Age Range: 18-55

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 in Groups of 2-7

Application Process Involves:

• Phone Interview
• Resume

Post Services Include:

• Exit DebriefingAbroad

Village Environment Community Gangkharka's Mission Statement: VECGK is a secular, Nepal-based NGO whose aim is to raise the standard of living for the Sherpa and Tamang population living in the isolated Helambu region of the Nepali Himalayas. Through the construction of medical clinics and boarding schools, VECGK hopes to give these rural communities the tools they need to develop a local economy and keep their unique and beautiful cultures alive.

Year Founded: 1990