Community Work at Child Protection Homes in Nepal

  Nepal

• Kathmandu: 
Kathmandu

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks

Description: There is nowhere quite like Kathmandu; a maze of cavernous alleys shoot off the dirt streets offering you your only hope of avoiding the rickshaw drivers as well as a million different colours, smells and rug designs! Take tea while you watch the circus go by and save your energy for a valuable volunteer project. You'll help out in a children's home which provides an alternative for children who would otherwise have to live with their parents in jail. Your days will be free while the children attend school but there's plenty to do, like exploring the many attractions in Kathmandu, plotting trips to the mighty Himalayas or visiting Chitwan National Park, home to one or two animals you may not expect to find here.

*Project details:
In Nepal we work with two Community Development projects based in and around Kathmandu. The Prisoner Assistance Nepal is part of a network called PA Nepal Children's Home and works in conjunction with a 'sister' home in Sankhu, 10km outside of the city. In Nepal when parents are sent to prison, if there is no alternative care-person available for their children, they usually go to prison with their parents.

PA Nepal Children's Home was established in 2002 by a social worker with the aim of providing a home and some education to children whose parents are currently in prison. There are approximately 23 children living at the home (girls and boys), from small infants to an 18-year-old. Most of the children are aged between 8 and 13.

Siphal Child Protection home was set up approximately 15 years ago with the aim of providing a home and some education to children whose parents are currently in prison or for those at risk from their families. There are currently about 70 children living at the home.

*Why the project needs volunteers:
Children's Homes were established in Kathmandu with the aim of providing a home and some education to children whose parents are currently in prison or for those at risk from their families. There is currently no social support system for children if their parents are sent to prison so they either have to go with them or end up on the streets.

Therefore volunteers have a vital part in contributing to the care and daily lives of these children. There are often other international volunteers assisting and temporarily resident at the project.

Highlights:
* Doing your bit to improve the lives of underprivileged children in this stunning country
* Living amongst the mighty Himalaya - awe inspiring
* Watching the world go by in Durbar square

Qualifications: What kind of skills you need to go on this type of project:
The home suits those who can find the initiative to organise themselves and the children well and overcome the lack of communication due to language barriers with the children. Children are at school during the day, so working hours are early mornings and late afternoons. There will be the opportunity to do some teaching in local schools.

Your role as a volunteer:
You can help the staff care for the children in groups and help the children with their homework, (English, science, social studies and mathematics, all taught from textbooks in English). You can also take part in teaching sessions and play games and lead craft activities with the children as well as take part in singing and dancing.

You will be able to help the staff by providing the children with social skills as well as helping to maintain a safe community for the children to protect them from abuse, drugs and crime.

Cost in US$: USD 1295.00 for 2 weeks, USD 220.00 for every week thereafter

* Accommodation: Private room in guesthouse in Kathmandu, shared room on site in Sankhu
* Food: Breakfast and dinner
* Airport Pickup: Included on arrival date. Ask us for details if you're arriving early!
* Training: In-country orientation
* Support: Pre-departure helpdesk, Local in-country team and 24hr emergency support

Experience Required: no

Age Range: 17-80

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

i-to-i Meaningful Travel's Mission Statement: i-to-i is an award-winning organization providing unique opportunities for you to travel, work and live abroad. Thousands of travelers aged 18 to 80 have joined our volunteer vacations and over 50,000 have learned to Teach English as a Foreign Language through our tailor-made TEFL courses. With over 400 projects on 4 continents, you can join the worldwide i-to-i volunteer community on an extended adventure in areas such as teaching, community development, sports coaching, conservation, building or internships in tourism, marketing, journalism, or health.

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