Orphanage Homes

“I participated in VIN’s Volunteer program during my spring break, and I can honestly say that it was the one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. It was a perfect way to really experience Nepalese culture, as well as share my culture with them. I loved the family I stayed with, and will continue to stay in contact with them. I also really enjoyed working with the kids at the orphanage. They are amazing children, and I feel lucky to have gotten to know them. I got the opportunity to see more of what VIN does with the community, and completely support its activities. I left Nepal with sadness, but its people will always have a place in my heart. I will surely return! I recommend this program to anyone who is interested in a unique, positive way to contribute to the people of Nepal, and have a first-hand cultural experience with them. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.”

Jennifer Vahanian, USA

March 2008

University of Sharjah, English Instructor

Orphanage Homes Overview

Each year, hundreds of children leave their destitute villages to find work in Nepal’s crowded cities. Most of these children are deprived of education and end up working as child laborers in restaurants, factories, and hotels. These disadvantaged children need attention, love, care, and the opportunity for education.

The Orphanage Volunteer program through VIN offers the street children the support and devotion they deserve. Volunteers teach Basic English, creative works and other subjects such as math and science to these eager learners. As a volunteer, you will also organize tours, games, arts and crafts activities, singing, dancing, etc. that the children enjoy all the while you take in the rich Nepali culture. Volunteers may additionally help the children prepare for school, and help with their homework.

VIN’s orphanage program is an enriching and life changing experience for our volunteers as well as the children. Many of our former volunteers have reported that this project, in particular, has been most memorable and fulfilling, and has changed the way they view the world.

The Orphanages

VIN has been working with two different orphanages of Kathmandu. There are 9 children in one and 15 in the other and VIN supports them by making donations and placing volunteers. VIN is also in the process of establishing an additional orphanage in Kathmandu. Most of the orphanages in Nepal are poorly resourced, under-staffed, and are struggling to run their programs. There is an urgent need for any kind of help and support. There are many areas where volunteers can use their education, skills, and time to make meaningful contributions in the life of the orphan children of Nepal. Help is urgently needed in education, skill training, sanitation, and administration.

Roles of Volunteers

• Teaching English (2-3 hours a day) in orphanage or school (when the orphanage kids go to schools during the day)
• Promoting Sanitation (helping kids in brushing teeth, shower, and personal hygiene)
• Organizing games, drawing, singing, dancing, and other creative education and extra curricular activities
• Taking kids on educational tours
• Helping kids to do homework, monitoring academic progress, and making sure kids complete the next day’s homework
• Providing child care services for orphans who can not go to school
• Helping kids to safely reach to school
• Assisting in food distribution, kitchen, and garden
• Administrative support
• Facilitating other activities or programs designed for kids