HIV/AIDS Work in Nepal with Projects Abroad

  Nepal

• Kathmandu: 
Kathmandu

Term: Throughout the year 
Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks, 3-6 months and 7-12 months
Typical Duration of Program: 9-12 weeks
Dates: Year-Round/Rolling-Starts

Description: Nepal is a fascinating country to explore while making a meaningful contribution doing volunteer work abroad. Infused with beautiful scenery, delicious food, and diverse people, Nepal offers a breadth of experiences you are likely to never forget.

One way to really get involved in the culture is by working with children affected by HIV/AIDS. Since the first case of AIDS was reported in the late 1980s, the Nepali government has been trying to curb its spread among target groups. Children born with the virus are becoming more and more common in and around urban areas, which is where you can help.

Volunteer Opportunities Abroad Working with Children Affected by HIV/AIDS in Nepal

In Nepal, we work with an HIV/AIDS center called Manisha Singh Punarjeevan Niwas (MSPN). The program is named after the Late Manisha Singh who helped those with HIV/AIDS. She worked at a time when people were very reluctant to talk about the disease.

MSPN is specifically targeted at children under 10 who have HIV/AIDS. This is a care and support program where the child comes with their mother or father and is kept for long-term treatment. They are given a nutritious diet to boost their health as well as counseling on HIV/AIDS. It is a free center for both the child and their caretaker and residents normally stay between six months to one year.

Volunteering Overseas on an HIV/AIDS Project in Asia

Working at MSPN will be a challenge, but ultimately very rewarding. Volunteers generally work between four to six hours a day in the center by helping out with daily tasks. You may be asked to feed the children, play with them, give lessons, or just spend time together. Whatever you're doing, by giving these children attention they otherwise might not get and taking their minds off the problem at hand, you'll help in creating happy childhood memories.

Highlights: Nepal is a beautiful country with many fantastic opportunities to volunteer and intern within its borders. Nepal is a tiny, stunning land of snow-capped mountains, majestic old temples and the colorful city of Kathmandu. The home of Mount Everest, draped along the backbone of the Himalayas, Nepal entices all kinds of people  and they don't go home disappointed.

All accommodation is organized, paid for and monitored by Projects Abroad. All project placements are regularly visited and checked. We require high standards of supervision and accommodation, which are verified before you arrive in Nepal.

This project offers the opportunity to become fully immersed in the culture in a manner which even the most hardened of backpackers could never hope to do.

Qualifications: none

Cost in US$: From US$1,795 Up

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Open-minded with a willingness to travel.

Age Range: 16-80

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Nepal Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups of 2-5

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Projects Abroad's Mission Statement: As part of the global economy, Projects Abroad helps create local employment wherever we send volunteers. Employing local staff overseas and using their talents and knowledge is important to us. This local knowledge and support enables the organization to channel the skills of the volunteers from more affluent countries to regions around the world where they are needed. Volunteers also learn from their placements and the people they meet, and they gain experience in a chosen field. In the 21st century, we believe this mutual respect is what cultural exchange is all about.

Year Founded: 1992