The Nepal Himalaya Foundation’s Volunteer Program aims to bring together experts and individuals from diverse fields to collaborate towards a shared goal and mission. It offers a unique opportunity for volunteers to live and work in Nepal, playing a crucial role in contributing to the country’s sustainable development through their chosen projects.

The foundation partners with Jagadamba Holidays, a travel company that supports and promotes volunteering trips. This collaboration involves designing volunteering trips and managing logistical arrangements.

Volunteers are placed in schools, health posts, local villages, and other projects based on their interests and abilities. The Volunteer Program offers several options:

1. Rebuilding: After assessing the damage from the 2015 earthquakes, the focus shifted to long-term assistance. Two volunteering trips were initiated to rebuild damaged or destroyed houses. Volunteers in these trips do not need technical expertise. Their activities include carrying housing equipment like stones, sand, cement, tin, and iron rods, as well as mixing sand and cement and painting house walls. For tasks requiring technical skills, building professionals are hired. However, volunteers with relevant skills can assist in these tasks.
2. Teaching in Schools: Volunteers teach for three to five hours per day, six days a week, with Saturday as their day off. They need a good command of written and spoken English, enthusiasm, and patience. Previous teaching experience is not required, but creativity is essential to make learning English enjoyable for children. Volunteers have used methods like word association games, drawing pictures, and singing songs. The minimum time commitment for teaching is two weeks. The program also seeks fluent English-speaking volunteers for higher levels (grades 7-10) and prefers individuals with a college-level degree. Volunteers whose first language is not English can be considered if they have experience in teaching or tutoring English. The minimum time commitment for an English teacher position is six months.
3. Working in Health Posts: The Health Volunteer Program mobilizes medical personnel and health experts to rural areas where the government lacks formal health institutions. Many people in these rural villages must travel long distances for basic medical attention, and superstitions and orthodox treatments are prevalent. The program focuses on administering drugs, conducting general check-ups, diagnosing patients, and raising awareness in the community. The level of responsibility for each volunteer depends on their medical background, including training and experience. The program’s work is particularly relevant to hygiene, nutrition, and immunizations, with a focus on women and children. By living and working with rural communities, health program volunteers also expose rural Nepali people to modern medicine. The program welcomes medical and health personnel, students, professionals, organizations, associations, and other groups to volunteer their services.
4. Waste Management:

   The Nepal Himalaya Foundation’s Volunteer Program also includes opportunities for volunteers to contribute to waste management efforts in the Himalayas. This aspect of the program focuses on addressing the environmental challenges related to waste management in the region. Volunteers may participate in activities such as waste collection, recycling initiatives, and educational programs to raise awareness about sustainable waste management practices. By engaging in these efforts, volunteers play a vital role in preserving the natural beauty of the Himalayas and promoting environmental conservation in the local communities.