Volunteer Training Guide
2007
Volunteer Service in Nepal
vsnepal@wlink.com.np
vsnprojects@wlink.com.np
Phone: 426 2241
GVN Website: www.volunteer.org.nz
VSN Training Guide
TABLE OF CONTENTS
VSN/GVN Programme Introduction ............................... 3
VSN/GVN Code of Conduct .......................................... 5
VSN/GVN Volunteer Expectations ................................ 6
Sponsorship/Donation Issues ....................................... 7
Personal Safety Information .......................................... 8
Thamel Scams .............................................................. 8
Rules for Taking a Break................................................ 8
Nepal Political Situation ................................................ 9
Nepal Caste System ................................................... 10
Cultural Cues and Clues ............................................. 13
Help VSN be Environmentally Friendly ....................... 18
Personal Health and Hygiene ..................................... 19
What now? .................................................................. 19
Holidays and Festivals ................................................. 20
VSN Staff Contact Numbers ....................................... 20
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VSN Training Guide
PROGRAMME INTRODUCTION
Volunteer Service in Nepal (VSN) an affiliate of Global Volunteer Network
(GVN) based in New Zealand, works with Nepali communities to ensure the
overall welfare of Nepali children through an international volunteer
programme. Volunteers from across the globe dedicate between one and
five months of their lives to the country and children of Nepal. Nepal is a
beautiful country that faces an incredible amount of serious social issues.
The primary issues we address through volunteering include English
literacy, school and community maintenance, environmental education and
awareness, health education and disease prevention and overall child
welfare of displaced, destitute and orphaned children.
VSN also coordinates its efforts with the many Non-Government
Organizations (NGO), International Non-Government Organizations
(INGO), government agencies and other Community Based Organizations
(CBO) that share the same vision of enabling the sustainable development
and self reliability of the people of Nepal.
VSN is a registered non-profit non-government organization (NGO) that
was formally established in March 2005. VSN is registered with the District
Administration Office (DAO) of Lalitpur (Registration Number 151/061/062)
and affiliated with Social Welfare Council (SWC) (Affiliation Number 17478).
MISSION STATEMENT
To work within communities to empower them and to
make them self sufficient for their brighter future.
VSN promotes international volunteerism to those interested in working in
the field across a range of specialisations such as Health Education,
Teaching English, Environmental Awareness, Community Maintenance and
Children’s homes Assistance.
CHILDREN’S HOME PROGRAMME:
VSN provides international volunteers to private children’s homes housing
children who have commonly been affected by conflict and poverty within
Nepal. VSN encourages formal education, education on health and
sanitation issues, general health care, and creative play. Our aim through
volunteer service is for all children to have equal opportunities and to create
a positive change through education and development in this developing
country.
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VSN Training Guide
VSN has also established its own children’s homes as a way of taking direct
control for the overall well-being of affected children in Nepal. The Brighter
Future Children’s Home was established in March 2004 and is currently
home to 13 children with a range of abilities and disabilities. VSN’s second
home ‘Shining Stars Children’s Home’ was established in December 2006
when VSN took guardianship of the 28 children in the old home we served.
The children attend school and have access to healthcare, creative
education and a safe and happy home environment.
ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICE:
VSN provides volunteers in the environmental field to communities within
Nepal. Our primary focus is waste management, paper recycling and vermicomposting. Our aim is to boost awareness and educate the people of
Nepal, especially children on the importance of keeping our Earth, and their
country clean.
HEALTH SERVICE:
VSN provides trained volunteers in the heath field to communities within
Nepal. Our primary focus is to support the children’s homes programme.
Health volunteers administer general health checks, inoculations and teach
about the importance of disease control and prevention through health and
sanitation talks. Our aim is to raise awareness and increase the
accessibility of prevention of disease within Nepal.
ENGLISH LITERACY:
VSN provides volunteers to Government and community schools to teach
English to underserved Nepali children. Volunteers provide conversational
and written English alongside reading classes to children during school and
non-school hours. It is our goal to ensure the children of Nepal have more
advanced practical English language skills - both written and verbal - to
ensure their success in the future, as English is fast becoming a required
skill for job placement and educational advancement.
SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY MAINTENANCE:
VSN provides volunteers to communities within Nepal that have a need for
physical building maintenance relating to community beautification,
sanitation, building repair and overall construction. Volunteers in the past
have painted school buildings, repaired roof-tops, built toilets, put in hand
pumps and have aided in building roads and a home for destitute, displaced
and orphan children.
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VSN Training Guide
CODE OF CONDUCT
VSN/GVN has an excellent reputation both in Nepal and overseas, which is
based on the high standard of its staff and the good work that they have
done. As a volunteer you are a representative of VSN/GVN and expected to
conduct yourself appropriately during your stay in Nepal.
All volunteers are required to:
 Be on time for training sessions
 Be courteous and respectful to all VSN/GVN staff and other volunteers
 Abide by Nepalese laws
The following behaviours are considered unacceptable:
 Drinking or drunkenness in and around your placement or VSN office
 Use of illegal drugs or substances in and around your placement or
VSN office
 Taking or smoking illegal drugs or drinking alcohol during training
sessions (VSN office & training village)
 Sexual harassment of any kind
 Theft of any kind
 Rudeness to staff or affiliates of VSN
 Violence of any kind, except in self defence
 Any behaviour that disrupts the training programme or volunteer
programme
It is a condition of participating in VSN/GVN programmes that volunteers
agree to behave in an acceptable manner.
VSN/GVN Management may request that any volunteer who behaves
unacceptably leaves the programme immediately, without prior warning. In
this event the volunteer will not be entitled to any refund of money paid to
VSN/GVN.
If you have any questions about what is expected of you, please ask a
VSN/GVN staff member.
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VSN Training Guide
VOLUNTEER EXPECTATIONS
WHAT VOLUNTEERS CAN EXPECT FROM VSN/GVN. . .
 Staff in office from 10:00 – 17:00 Monday-Friday. The office is closed
on weekends and official holidays
 Staff accessibility for genuine emergency situations
 Advice/consultation for any projects ideas, problems or challenges
having to do with your volunteer programme/experience
 Resources financial/material on projects initiated by volunteers PRIOR
to project initiation. Financial support is not guaranteed as VSN is not a
funding agency, and all contributions are from volunteers. Please ask
what is available if interested
 Assistance/guidance in purchasing materials having to do with your
volunteer placement
 Computer access (non-internet) for volunteer use in project related
issues at VSN Office (i.e. child profiles, volunteer testimonies, medical
records, signs/materials for teaching, etc)
 Volunteers can expect VSN to be your home away from home - we’re
here to support your work, and support you as an individual who is
experiencing a new culture
WHAT VSN/GVN EXPECTS FROM VOLUNTEERS. . .
 To be sober at all times while at your volunteer placement.
 Alcohol or drug use will not be tolerated in and around placement
 You are expected to be examples and role models to the community and
children you serve, and to maintain the positive reputation of VSN/GVN.
 To observe code of conduct at all times
 Not to have overnight guests at your placement site, unless previously
arranged with VSN
 To communicate regularly with VSN regarding ‘issues’ in your
placement - we can’t resolve issues if we don’t know they exist!
 To participate fully in all programme training - short term volunteers
(6 weeks or less) have an option of ending training on Day 5. Otherwise,
training ends on Day 8 – exceptions being illness and family emergency
 To inform VSN whenever taking a break
 To keep volunteers’ room (placement & VSN office) neat and tidy
 Not to eat Daal bhaat in the children’s homes unless you are placed in the
home.
 To complete training evaluation, departure interview and feedback
forms, and write a report about the work that you have done in your
placement and your recommendations for new volunteers
 To complete and update paperwork relevant to with your placement
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VSN Training Guide
SPONSORSHIP ISSUES
During their placement some volunteers decide that they wish to personally
sponsor a Nepali child or provide additional support for a community. Volunteers
may also be asked by their host family or members of their community to help in
some way. VSN/GVN is very grateful for and supportive of any help volunteers
wish to give, but warns that problems can arise. These frequently include:
 Requests for money for items, like medical treatment, that are not always
genuine. The money may actually be used for other things such as a TV;
 Volunteers making promises and not delivering on them. Some Nepalis
have been left disappointed when the money promised by volunteers
has not arrived;
 Community and host family expectations are raised, resulting in
pressure on future volunteers for money or favours.
If you would like to make a donation or sponsor a child, please talk to us
before making any promises. We can then advise you on the best and most
appropriate way of helping. Please note that if you choose to sponsor a
child, you personally will be responsible for all aspects of the sponsorship.
VSN/GVN can help you with the initial contacts and communications, but it
will be up to you to run the sponsorship yourself.
DONATIONS/SUPPLIES
VSN/GVN is grateful for volunteers who bring supplies and financial donations to
benefit the Nepali people. We request you to leave the donated supplies with our
office after completing the donation form, so they may be provided to placements
based on need. We try to maintain the culture of the children and communities
we serve, and do that by having our staff do a general Nepali needs assessment
and then providing for what the real needs are. We try to distribute volunteer
donations at the appropriate cultural times, noting that Nepal has many festivals
that allows for gift giving of clothing and toys and supplies. With this being said, if
there are any needs in your specific placement, please contact us to see if
supplies are available from volunteer donations.
If volunteers wish to donate fiscally, we respect the volunteers’ wishes as to
how they desire the funds to be spent. We try to use volunteer donations to
meet the genuine needs of the people versus just spending the money to
spend it so volunteers can see the outcomes. If you have any questions
regarding your donations or wish to fund something specific in your
placement, please consult our office first to make sure it is appropriate and
that you can get the best price for your project. We are here to help.
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VSN Training Guide
PERSONAL SAFETY INFORMATION
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Register with your Embassy or Consulate
Abide by Nepalese laws
Avoid political gatherings and demonstrations, and government offices
Respect curfews, strikes, etc
Treat officials at checkpoints with respect
Carry your VSN identity cards with you at all times
Avoid where possible travel after dark
Travel in pairs where possible
Inform VSN / host family / placement of your whereabouts especially
when taking time off
Do not participate in any political discussions or activities. If
participation in such activities is unavoidable, you are requested to
remain neutral
Do not visit areas if they have received information from a reliable
source that they may be unsafe
Wherever possible, travel on tourist transport
Keep up to date with security developments via the English language
Nepali press or radio (Radio Nepal 08:00hrs & 20:00hrs in English or
BBC World Service 103FM)
Never rely on rumours and try not to over react to information that may
be exaggerated or wrong
Use your common sense
RULES FOR TAKING A BREAK
THAMEL SCAMS:
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Milk/Biscuit Scam
Jewellery Couriers
School Sponsorship
Taxis - fast meter/fixed price
1. Must be requested at least Two (2)
Weeks in advance.
2. Complete and submit break form to
Meenu.
3. Decide if you want to pay your Host
Family while you are away.
*If you choose not to pay your Host
Family, you may extend your
Placement by the amount of time
you take off. But you will have to
remove all of your belongings from
your Host Family.
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VSN Training Guide
NEPAL POLITICAL SITUATION
The political situation in Nepal is a topic of frequent conversation amongst
volunteers, as well as the majority of Nepal’s residents, whether Nepali citizens or
not.
On 21st April 2006, following weeks of nationwide violent demonstrations by the
political parties and the Maoists, the King handed over power to the political parties.
The Parliament convened on 28 April 2006 and a new Prime Minister, G P Koirala
was sworn in to office on 30 April 2006. The 18 of May 2006 was the historic day
when the House of Representatives declared the people as sovereign and the sole
source of state authority forever. History has been changed. Nepal is no longer a
Hindu Kingdom but a secular state.
The Government of Nepal and the Maoists signed a peace agreement on 21
November 2006, thereby officially ending eleven years of conflict in the country. On
15 January 2007, the House of Representatives was dissolved and the interim
parliament was formed and on 1 April 2007, the interim government was formed.
The Constituent Assembly (CA) election scheduled for 22 November 2007 was
postponed again. The Election Commission (EC) has already spent 515 million
rupees on preparations for the CA elections. Many Nepalese have been left
disappointed and dissatisfied and continue to urge the political parties to announce
new
dates
for
the
election.
General strikes called by the agitating ethnic groups continue in the Terai region. As
a result many consumers are facing short supplies of daily food items, cooking gas
and petroleum products. These ethnic groups have been organising many protests
demanding a full proportional representative electoral system and guarantee of
ethnic
autonomy
in
federal
Nepal.
The CPN (Maoist) decided to quit the government as the eight-party leaders failed
to agree on its 22 demands. PM Koirala has rejected two key Maoist demands:
announcement of a republic before the polls and proportional representation-based
election system. In response, the Maoists have announced a nationwide protest
movement. Maoist Chairman, Prachanda, has said that only a new cabinet formed
on the basis of new understanding would bring the Maoists back to the government.
The eight parties reached an und
erstanding to continue with their unity and to resolve the problems through
dialogue. The UN is urging Maoist Chairman Prachanda and PM Koirala for a
political
compromise.
Volunteer safety is our primary concern and is the main reason that we have
suspended all programmes outside of the Kathmandu Valley. Please rest assured
that if we at any time thought it unsafe for volunteers to be in Nepal we would close
down our operation until such time as it was deemed safe for volunteers to return.
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VSN Training Guide
NEPAL CASTE SYSTEM
The caste system has been legally abolished, however it continues to be an
integral and accepted part of social, political and economic life in Nepal. It is
not impolite to ask about an individual’s caste and it can often be
determined by a person’s last name. High castes have many last names
and are used constantly because the high caste people are pleased to
make their status known, whereas low castes usually have no last name
other than the caste name and they don’t use it much.
ORIGIN OF CASTE SYSTEM
According to Hindu mythology there are three major Gods; Lord Bishnu,
The Caretaker; Lord Shiva, The Destroyer and Lord Brahma, The Creator,
or the God of Origin who created man from four parts of the body.
According to mythology, each caste has been prevailing from the very
beginning of human origin. Historians and researchers believe that the
caste system has its origin according to the distribution of jobs. The caste
name was given to one’s profession and then later on it became hereditary.
However, if there is a mixed caste marriage, they are able to change their
caste to the lower of the two castes.
The castes were initially divided into:
1) Touchables
2) Untouchables
The castes were later divided on a further basis:
1) Touchable
2) Touchable but not allowed to offer cooked rice to
Brahmin and Khastriya
3) Untouchables
Each part corresponds to a caste performing certain jobs
1) Head - Brahmin
 Ranks highest in the caste hierarchy
 Influential and wealthy people of traditional Nepal
 Roles often include performing religious rites and rituals and work in
government offices
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VSN Training Guide
 Not to do jobs that require physical energy as most Brahmins are
supposed to be physically unfit
 Since democracy, Brahmins are now found in all professions
2) Hand - Khastriya
 Second highest caste in the caste hierarchy
 Rulers and guards of territory, so traditionally they join military
services
3) Stomach - Baishya
There are many ethnic groups within this caste:
 Newar
o Divided into Hindu’s and Buddhists and each subdivided into
castes
o Tribe by geographic definition, concentrated in the KTM Valley
o Talented businessmen
 Magar
o Nepal Army/Gorkhas positions
o Longer exposure to Hinduism, lost more Buddhist and tribal
religious customs
 Gurung
o Hinduised group however, maintain many Buddhist and tribal
religious customs
o Nepal Army/Gurkhars, Civil Servants in National Administrative
Offices
o Have responded more rapidly to modernization than Magars
4) Feet - Shudra/Dalit
 Typically serves the three castes above them
 Typically very poor
 Hindu, however, related to fiscal aide provided by Christian
organizations, huge conversion of religion has occurred.
 Many have no last name, or have created non-caste names to
exercise the abolishment of the caste system.
 Blacksmiths, tailor, musicians in marriage ceremonies, shoemakers,
sweepers, fishermen, play sarangi (Nepali fiddles)
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VSN Training Guide
COMMON LAST NAMES OF CASTES
Purbia - migrated to eastern Nepal
Acharya, Adhikari, Baral, Bhattarai, Devokota, Ghimire,
Khanal, Nepal, Paudel, Pokhrel, Upadhaya
Brahmin
Kumain - migrated to western Nepal
Bhatta, Bista, Lohani, Pandey, Pant, Upreti
Jaishi - Brahmins who marry a Brahmin widow
Bashkota, Bastola, Chapagai, Chawalagai, Humagai,
Barjagai, Guragai, etc.
Khastriya
Thapa, Bista, Rana, Bohorra, Ranabhat, Bogati, Rout,
Khadga, Baniya, Deupa, Woli, Basnet, Karki, Deuja, etc
NEWAR
Hindu: Amatya, Baidya, Karmacharya, Malla, Maske,
Mathema, Pradhan, Shrestha, Ranjitkar, Suwal, etc
Baishya
Buddhist: Shakya, Tuladhar, Bajra, Bajracharya,Tamrakar,
etc
Low Caste Newar: Kashaai, Sahi, Pode, Jaapu
MAGAR: Ale, Rana, Thapa, Budhathoki, Pun, etc.
GURUNG: Sherchan, Thakali, Lama, Gauchan, Hirachan
Shudra/
Dalit
Bishwakarma, Rasaili, Sundas, Pariyar, Nepali, Palikhet,
Mangrati, Pode, Mijar, Majhi, Gandarbha, Sarki, Kaami
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VSN Training Guide
CULTURAL CUES & CLUES
Acceptance of a Different Culture
Nepal has its own unique and fascinating culture that is very different from
most western cultures. Please do not make judgments based on your own
culture - be accepting of Nepal’s way.
Interaction & Greetings
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The general nature of the Nepali people is quite friendly, although they
can be described as shy when first meeting with strangers
If a Nepali seems shy, then the volunteers should start the interaction
by asking a few simple questions and developing a conversation
Personal questions are often asked by Nepali as greetings. They are
not asked because answers are needed or expected. People from
western countries consider such questions intrusive – try not to be
phased by them
Public displays of affection between those of the opposite sex are likely
to be frowned on in Nepal, especially in rural areas. Even married
people do not hold hands in public. You will however, see same sex
couples holding hands or walking arm in arm
It is not always possible to build close relationships with people at all
level, as the higher caste families are likely to disapprove of your
relationship with the lower caste people
In dealing with people of the same age and sex, one can mix and
maintain informal, more open ties
For the opposite sex it is likely that only formal relationships will be
appropriate required
Respect & Status
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Attitude and behaviour tend to differ according to age, status, and
profession
On entering the community, you will see and feel subtle social but
powerful differences in Nepalese society - loosely described as castes
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VSN Training Guide
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Visitors who wish to act “in the Nepali manner” may find it difficult to
decide just what that manner is. An easy and satisfactory solution is to
follow the pattern of your Nepali peers.
If your appearance and behaviour are completely inappropriate to your
presumed status, the respect given to you may suffer accordingly
Being a foreigner may give you unexpected status at times, but it is
better not to count on it
A young person with few tangible credentials will probably have to earn
patience and cooperation
Friendship & Relationships
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Nepalese have strongly defined concept of friendship and hospitality
and to be a friend or a guest here in Nepal is a less casual matter
When someone feels that friendship has been established he is likely to
assume automatically what are considered the normal privileges of a
friend. These include personal favours, extended unannounced visits to
your room and looking at your personal belongings
If you consider your new friend’s behaviour to be an imposition, great
tact will be required to avoid misunderstandings. When foreigners back
away from a friendship as a result of differences in custom, Nepalese
may feel that foreigners are insincere
Helping with simple household chores can really improve your
relationship with the host family
With friends or acquaintances away from home no rigid rules need to
be applied. Informal and friendly behaviour is just fine and approved
With official persons, such as school headmasters, formality is the
general norm but after several meetings, the relationship may become
less formal
Family Life
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A miniature caste hierarchy can be seen in the family
The eldest male is the chief and has power. All others are subordinates
The elderly and infants are privileged and taken care of
Women preside over the kitchen, store and gardens and perform farm
work. Children and the elderly do light chores
Division of work begins by the age of 10 - 12 or so, depending on the
economic status of the family
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VSN Training Guide
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Marriages in Nepal are almost always arranged
Hospitality
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Eating and drinking together is the traditional test of social acceptance
Tea with milk and sugar is usually served. This is known as Chiya.
When refreshments are offered it is impolite to refuse. Take at least a
little to show your appreciation. To refuse for fear of incurring expense
to your hosts or because you question whether the food is sanitary
would be a definite social slight
Huge quantities of food are usually served. The assumption is that you
would be hesitant to take as much as you really want. Don’t feel obliged
to eat everything however, eating a large amount is a compliment to
your hostess
A guest should ask permission to smoke. Nepalese consider it a sign of
respect if you don’t smoke in front of the elders
A house guest should not expect much privacy or think that they will be
left alone most of the time. The code of hospitality requires that the host
takes care of all your needs, one of which is often assumed to be that
of having constant company
Invitations
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A person who makes an invitation for a movie, meal or trip etc, is
usually expected to pay for those they invite. Don’t put your friend in an
awkward position by expecting him/her to pay
People may be too polite to say bluntly that they are not able to come. If
someone says, “I’ll try” he/she usually means “no”
Don’t be surprised if your guests arrive late. In Nepal, people live less
by the clock than in western countries. Generalizations on this matter
are dangerous. You however, should be punctual in your engagements
Shoes
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Contact with shoes is considered defiling or degrading
People of status may not want to help polish their own shoes or be
seen carrying them to the repair shop
An extremely important recommendation to volunteers is that they keep
their shoes on the floor or ground. Take off your shoes before putting
your feet up on chairs, tables or the bed
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VSN Training Guide
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Shoes are worn inside many Nepali homes but it is safest to follow the
example of your hosts. If you see shoes being left outside, please
follow suit
Eating & Drinking
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Hindus are particularly sensitive about the pollution of food when it is
touched by anyone outside their caste or religion
Many Hindus are complete vegetarians. Even if they eat meat, Hindus
would not eat beef because of their special reverence for the cow
When drinking from a water container used by others, avoid touching
your lips to it. If you cant drink the Nepali way, please ask for a glass
In a Nepali home, it is best not to help yourself from a jug of water or
common dish of food but wait for it to be served to you
The left hand is another source of pollution in many Asian countries
because it is used for toilet purposes. Use the right hand when eating
and also in accepting and giving things
Don’t be surprised if someone belches after a meal – this is generally
regarded as a tribute to the meal
Other Purity Issues
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Women during their period are considered unclean
They usually do not take part in social gatherings or in preparing food,
and avoid touching plants or other living things
We suggest to women volunteers that they don’t mention to anyone
when they are having their period, even if asked
Communication & Manners
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Conversations in Nepal are less quiet and restrained than those in
western countries and people generally start a conversation by asking
personal questions
Asking the price of your possession is rude in western countries but it is
accepted between strangers here. If you feel embarrassed by this say
you don’t know as it was a gift
The word “no” has harsh implications in Nepal. Evasive refusals, being
polite, are more common. Because of this people may say, “yes” in
order to please you but have no intention of doing so
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When giving instructions, it is wise to repeat them several times,
preferably, step by step and check to see if they have understood
Thankfulness is expressed by facial expressions rather than verbal
expressions. One should not assume that a person is ungrateful
because he/she does not say thank you
Obtaining Information
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Family members, neighbours, school teachers, students, friends and
other local development workers can all be convenient and relevant
sources of information about village life and local affairs. Initially, it is
wise to check and verify the information you receive
Once you settle in the community, it will not be difficult to check the
accuracy and validity of information you receive and learn which people
are more reliable information source
If you are ever in doubt, please ask a member of the VSN/GVN staff
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HELP VSN BE ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY…
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Turn off water taps when they are not in use. If you walk past a tap
running in the middle of a village, try to turn it off. Sometimes they don't
turn off, but if the tap can turn off...then do the twist. And even tell a
local why you turned it off and encourage them to do the same. The
reason why you would turn it off - because water in this country is a
precious resource despite all the rain they get in the monsoon, and they
need to preserve as much as they can! If there is no water – make sure
the water source/tap is turned off (turn to the right) to ensure water flow
does not resume once water has arrived
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Reduce the amount of waste you recreate: Use bags you already have instead of taking new plastic bags from
shop keepers
 Re-fill your water bottle from a re-fill station or use boiled water
instead of buying a new mineral water bottle
 When printing from a computer, print paper double-sided (when
feasible) instead of just single-sided
 Write on the back of used, single-sided paper instead of buying
new notepads. Even make a new notepad out of previously used
paper
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If you have to produce waste, throw your waste in the BIN...not on
the ground. You might see a lot of rubbish on the ground already but
that doesn't make it ok to help out Nepal's pollution problem. Put your
rubbish in the bin, and maybe even pick up a few pieces of rubbish
while you're at it. Tell a Nepali why you're doing it, and encourage them
to do the same. The reason why you would pick up rubbish - because
Nepal's natural environment is being clogged by plastics and other
wastes, detracting from it's natural beauty, and depleting it's natural
health. Wouldn't this place be so much nicer if there were clean rivers
and streams, healthy fish to eat, and somewhere half decent to swim? If
you're in a remote place and there are no bins, then keep your rubbish
on you until you can deposit it safely
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Buy recycled products whenever possible
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Walk (if feasible) or take a rickshaw instead of catching a cab, tuk tuk
(green tuk tuks are electric/most environmentally friendly), motorbike, or
other motorized transportation. The exercise will do you good, as well as
prevent creating more air pollution in a place where air pollution is high
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VSN Training Guide
PERSONAL HEALTH & HYGIENE
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Nepal has one of the highest incidence of stomach/bowel infections in
the world, but common sense and good personal hygiene will help
eliminate or reduce sickness as much as possible
Everything becomes harder when you feel sick. You may feel homesick
and many people at this stage experience a desire to go home.
Generally a bout of diarrhoea lasts 24 – 48 hours and you will get past
it, but PREVENTION is your best defence. Pay particular attention to
your own personal health and hygiene for the duration of your stay
Antibiotics are not normally required – ensure you drink plenty of fluids
If symptoms persist we can refer you to the Kathmandu Western Medical
Clinic (CIWEC), or you talk a current heath volunteer and ask questions
www.ciwec-clinic.com has much information about travellers diarrhoea
and common illnesses you may experience in Nepal
WHAT NOW…?
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ASK QUESTIONS – ask VSN staff, ask current volunteers
TALK WITH VSN STAFF ABOUT ANY ISSUES AND PROBLEMS –
chances are you are not alone and will not be the first person to feel the
way you do about an issue or incident
GET INVOLVED – the more you put into the programme the more you
will get out of it
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VSN Training Guide
HOLIDAYS & FESTIVALS
2007
9th – 12th November
Tihar
25th December
Christmas Day
2008
31st January
Martyr’s Day
19th February
Democracy Day
6th March
Shivaratri
21st March
Holi
VSN CONTACT NUMBERS
Paul – Volunteer Coordinator
98415 00391
First contact for any volunteer issues, concerns or assistance
Devendra – Project Manager
98510 94089
Liaison with Home Managers & host families
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