The Public Health Program
This fantastic public health program puts volunteers right in the heart of a Nepalese community where they can help the most. As a developing nation with huge poverty levels and health issues, the purpose of this program is to alleviate these medical problems and support this wonderful community. Based in Kavresthali, on the northern side of Kathmandu and in the Shivapuri National Park, volunteers work at a health post and through a mobile clinic to deliver quality health care to those in dire need. The aim of this program is to sustainably and significantly improve the basic health conditions of the Kavresthali community, using both a medical and holistic approach. The program uses curative and preventive programs to improve medical services through the government-supported health post. Working through existing infrastructure within the health post, this program provides essential support to ensure people receive free, quality services at a community level. Mobile clinics are used to provide health check-up facilities to people in their own communities, targeting primary level school children, serious illness, chronic illness and elderly patients. This program gives volunteers an amazing opportunity to work across a variety of initiatives and develop their skills while supporting others. Sign up with Love Volunteers today to help to improve the quality of life of the people of Kavresthali.
Goals of this Project:
- Improve the prospects of the people of Kavresthali
- Provide quality medical care to the impoverished people served by this project
- Provide an opportunity to help develop the medical skills of others
- To create a better cultural understanding between all participants
How You Can Help
Volunteers on this program will find they are working around five hours a day, five days a week either in the medical post, the program office, on workshops in the community or on the mobile clinic. Participants will have ‘hands on’ opportunities, assisting the doctor at the health post and health camps, and could help taking vitals, performing clinical examinations, dressing and stitching wounds, administering IV and keeping records. Volunteers will also be required to design health programs on a variety of topics (including ones you have experience in and want to develop) including; personal hygiene and sanitation, village and school cleaning, drugs, smoking, alcohol and substance abuse, hand washing and teeth brushing, sexually transmitted diseases, HIV/AIDS and hepatitis, typhoid, diarrhoea and dysentery, antenatal and postnatal care, family planning, new-born care and breast feeding and cancer. Participants will also facilitate awareness campaigns among children, women and youth with the help of translators or local volunteers. Participants on this program are required to submit a report on their work and are expected to help in the preparation of monthly reports. A volunteer’s typical day could be; facilitating in schools on a hygiene and sanitation workshop, entering health post data in the computer and assisting the doctor in the health post/mobile clinic/community. Volunteers will find a placement on this program to be an extremely beneficial addition to both their medical careers and their life experience.
Volunteers contribute in many ways and can expect to undertake the following tasks:
- Assist the doctor and local staff in the treatment of patients as appropriate to the volunteer’s skills and training
- Interact with patients and provide support
- Assist with administrative duties
- Develop and facilitate programs within the community
Requirements
This program offers an amazing opportunity for suitable applicants who are 18 years and over to work alongside qualified medical professionals and gain first-hand insight into the Nepalese healthcare system. It is open to those with experience and/or education in the field of medicine, as well as med-school and pre-med students. Ideally, volunteers on this project will have at least a basic knowledge of the local language in order to communicate effectively with patients and staff, though this is not a pre-requisite. Naturally, all applicants must also have a genuine willingness to help, show drive and initiative, and bring a positive 'can-do' attitude. If this sounds like you, we want you on the team!
Additionally, volunteers applying to join this program will be required to supply to following documentation:
- Emergency contact
- Police check
- Resume
Project Location
Volunteers on this program have the opportunity to experience Nepal's vibrant capital city of Kathmandu as well as experiencing authentic Nepalese life in rural villages within the Kathmandu Valley.
Volunteers are based in Kathmandu for the first 3 days to enjoy an in-depth program orientation and introduction to this amazing country and city. An excellent opportunity to explore the sensory overload that is Kathmandu City!
Whilst on placement volunteers stay with local host families in communities in the Kathmandu Valley. An amazing way to experience authentic Nepalese life in a tranquil rural, village or city setting.
Start Dates & Duration
This project is available year-round and programs start the 1st and 3rd Monday of every month with volunteers arriving on SUNDAY. Volunteers can choose to participate for periods ranging from 4 weeks to 12 weeks. Longer stays can be arranged directly with the local team but will be subject to availability and individual visa conditions.
For current available start dates please check the calendar on the right.
Arrival & Orientation
Upon your arrival in Kathmandu you will be collected at the airport and taken to your accommodation. A comprehensive three-day induction is provided which will include specific information about your placement as well as covering the basics of the Nepalese language and an insight into the culture. This is a great opportunity to mix with other volunteers and get to know the local team.
- Arrival Day: Volunteers arrive on either the 14th day of the month or the last day of the month.
- Departure Day: 7 days after arrival for every week volunteering.
- Arrival Airport: Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, Nepal (Code: KTM)
Accommodation & Meals
Volunteers on this program have the unique opportunity to stay with a local Nepalese family. Host families are experienced at caring for volunteers and are welcoming and supportive. Their homes may be basic by international standards and the levels of English may vary but this is more than made up for by generosity of spirit.
Initially volunteers stay in a Volunteer House in Kathmandu and are provided with a three day orientation session before transferring to their host family home. Lunch is provided daily during the orientation with breakfast and dinner readily available for little cost.
Living conditions in Nepal are far from luxurious and will vary between homes.The accommodation will have running water but hot water is uncommon as are heating and air-conditioning. Electricity will be available but is unreliable and may be turned off for a period each day.
When volunteering during Nepal’s winter months (particularly December, January and February) warm clothes and a heavy sleeping bag are recommended.
WiFi may be available in the Host Family Home for a small fee but we recommend that volunteers purchase a local SIM card and data package on arrival in order to stay in touch with friends and family.
Three simple and delicious meals per day are provided by the host family whilst on placement and are normally vegetarian with staples such as rice, lentils (dal) and vegetarian curries. Volunteers are encouraged to take a lunchbox or one can be purchased on-site.
Fees
That’s just USD 34 per day* for:
*In addition to the program fees listed above a Registration Fee is payable to secure your place. The registration fee is USD 299 for those volunteering with Love Volunteers for the first time or USD 149 for any subsequent volunteer placements. The registration fee includes: lifetime LV Alumni Membership, fundraising support & advice, dedicated pre-departure support, certificate of completion (on request), and exclusive access to the LV Trip Planner.
Some things are not included in the program fees listed above, such as flights, visas, vaccinations, travel insurance, additional foods and snacks, spending money, local transport, in-country trips and excursions, return airport transfer (unless mentioned above).
Please note that prices are subject to change without notice. Please ensure you have read the Love Volunteers Terms and Conditions & Refund Policy.