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The Project
By volunteering in Nepal you provide support to children who, through no fault of their own, are growing up in and around the Nepalese prison system.
This project provides a positive environment for these children to flourish in by giving them the food, stability and knowledge of safety that are the foundations upon which they can develop. By providing the children with this encouraging environment this project has been working the break the cycle of crime and punishment among some of the least entitled populations of Kathmandu.
If you are interested in combining this project with another one of our volunteering options in Nepal, we can organise extra part time placements for volunteers when they arrive in Nepal. Please get in touch with one of our Placement Advisers to discuss this option.
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Why the project needs you
In Nepal, if there are no relatives to care for a child when his or her parents go to prison, the child goes with them. Children often grow up in the prison system and in doing so are denied access to the education, nourishing food and the stable loving environment that they deserve.
This centre provides support through two different facilities, offering day care for children aged 2-5 that are deemed too young to spend the night away from their mothers, and a residential home for children aged 5-16. This residential home provides a stable base from which the children can attend school and live a normal life outside of the prison.
Project Location
The capital of Nepal, and the countries only major city, Kathmandu is a fascinating place. Set in the Kathmandu Valley, with the Himalayas rising to the north and the gentler slopes of the Mahabharat Range to the south, Kathmandu is in places as crowded, dirty and bustling as virtually any developing world city. Other areas are architecturally stunning and home to numerous notable Hindi and Buddhist temples and ancient buildings.
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Project Facts
•Duration: 2 – 26 weeks
•Cost: £810 ($1418) for 2 weeks, £175 ($306) for each additional week
•Requirements: age 18+
•Location: Kathmandu, Nepal
•Project activities; Teaching, offering extra support to help children with their homework after school, art and music projects, childcare
•Working hours: Monday to Friday 4-8 hours a day
•Project availability: Project starts every Monday
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What is included
• Accommodation: Shared room in a volunteer house
• Food: 2 meals per day
• Airport Pick up and drop off
• Training: Pre-departure pack, On-site Orientation and project induction provided
• Weekly laundry service
• Support: 24 hour support
• Excursion planning: Staff will help organise trips and activities in your spare time (activities may cost extra).
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What is not included
• Flights
• Insurance
• Visas
Project Quality
Kaya evaluates every project we offer to ensure that we only commit to programmes with genuine need for volunteer aid, not just financial assistance. We develop relationships with the projects and help shape initiatives to ensure in the long run that we do not encourage dependence on outside help, but rather establish foundations on which the people can build and develop themselves. We also ensure that the members of those communities are open and eager to learn and discover our culture, as we become a part of theirs. The quality and sustainability of our programmes are very important to us. We want you to have the most fulfilling and memorable time as possible, and be part of something that is going to last into future generations.
Accommodation & Meals
Volunteers stay in a volunteer house where, in most cases, they share their room with other volunteers. Shared rooms are usually single-sex. For most placements two to three meals a day are provided, all included in the placement fees. In most volunteers houses there will be a cook to prepare your food for you and a cleaner to ensure the house is clean and tidy, though in some of our locations volunteers will be expected to assist with these chores.
In-Country Coordinators
Each country coordinator is there to make sure your time in your programme runs smoothly. They will pick you up from the airport and take you on your orientation. All in-country coordinators are English speaking and are there to ensure you have all the information and resources for the best placement.
24/7 Emergency Support
As well as support from your in-country coordinators, you'll be given access to a 24/7 emergency phone line managed by Kaya staff, in case any problem should arise while you're overseas.
Kaya Help-desk
Each member of Kaya staff have worked, travelled, studied or volunteered abroad, and many staff have visited and volunteered in our projects knowing firsthand the country and nature of the programme placements. Their knowledge of international travel and volunteering is invaluable, and they can give you good advice and tips to make the most of your international placement.
Briefing Pack & Materials
Once you have booked a programme, an information pack will be sent out detailing everything you need to know - from specific project details and vaccinations required to the visa application process.
Airport Pickup
When you arrive at your destination a member of Kaya staff will meet you with a warm welcome at the airport and take you to your accommodation to get you set up for your stay.
Cultural Excursions
Kaya staff are at hand to help organise weekend excursions and activities, which can include visiting cultural places of significance and visiting various projects around the area. This way you can learn firsthand about each project and take part in local cultural and adventure activities.
Arrival Orientation
Shortly after you arrive you will be given your orientation by one of our in-country coordinators. They will show you your placement, local transport, take you into the local town, and show you things you can do in your spare time. Information regarding safety and security will be given along with some much needed lingo when moving and travelling around the area.
Funding for Individual Projects
If on your placement you wish to start up your own sub-project, a reasonable amount of funding will be provided. An example is: one volunteer arranged a basketball tournament for the street children where funding was provided for team shirts and trophies. This is a good chance to make your own lasting mark on a project and the people of your chosen country.
Local Community Benefits
Not only is your participation on your project of great help to the local communities, but so is the boost to the local economy that volunteers create while they are visiting.