Volunteer social worker at a care centre in Nepal

What is the problem and how can volunteer social workers help?

Volunteer social worker in Nepal

Nepal is a country suffering from widespread poverty and a lack of infrastructure caused by its mountainous and inaccessible landscape. As if often the case, the section of society most affected by poverty is children, especially those with disabilities and diseases. Not only do these children struggle to cope with a lack of healthcare, they are also faced with a lack of food and shelter. Projects Abroad Pro offer voluntary social work jobs in Nepal with local care centres who look after orphans and young children suffering from HIV/AIDS. As a volunteer social worker you will use your knowledge and experience to help look after these disadvantaged children and help them to reconnect socially while also looking to improve the overall care standards of the centre. Projects Abroad Pro are determined to help these care centres improve their facilities and working practice, resulting in a better living environment for the children. We believe that you can help us achieve this.

What is my role as a social worker in Nepal?

• Using your experience of social work to care for children suffering from HIV/AIDS.
• Work with existing staff to assess and improve the overall standards of care at the centre.
• Organise counselling sessions for parents and children
• Spend time with the children, teaching them to rediscover play and to interact with others.
• Organise and run training clinics for Projects Abroad volunteers working in orphanages.
• Take on non social work-related tasks and projects such as fund-raising and organising the purchase of equipment etc.

What skills or qualifications do I need?

In order to ensure high standards and help the project progress you will need a Bachelors Degree or Postgraduate Degree in Social Work as an absolute minimum. Ideally, a qualified social worker on this project would also possess at least two years’ experience of practicing professionally. It is important that you are confident in your ability to provide quality care and in your knowledge of current best practice. Many aspects of this project involve disciplines such as early childhood development. Any experience you have in these areas of social care will be an advantage but not a pre-requisite. The person we have in mind would be confident, outgoing, friendly and creative, as well as having the patience required when working with less experienced staff and adapting to the challenges of a developing country.

Even if you feel you do not possess the required skills or qualifications for this role, you can still help on the same project. Please visit our website for more information about volunteer social work in Nepal.

What is unique about this project?

Care centre in Nepal

At Projects Abroad Pro we believe that volunteer placements can and should be about much more than one person helping the less fortunate. Cultural exchange has always been paramount on our projects with volunteers spending time in local communities, learning about a new culture and experiencing a different way of life. Our Skilled Volunteer Placements offer a unique chance for you to work with fellow professionals in your industry, sharing your ideas and learning to adapt your working methods to face a challenging new environment. Naturally, some of your new peers will be less experienced than you and this will provide an opportunity to pass on some of your specialised knowledge and training. However, in many cases you will meet talented, well-respected professionals happy to engage in lively debate and offering you the chance to learn and apply valuable new skills.

What guidance and support is provided?

For many years now we have been offering unparalleled in-country support for our volunteers in over 500 projects worldwide. Every Projects Abroad Pro volunteer is covered by our comprehensive medical and travel insurance. Upon arrival in Nepal you will be collected at the airport by one of our team of staff and escorted to your new accommodation. All of our volunteers stay with local host families and you will be provided with plenty of food and clean drinking water. Our friendly and dedicated staff are on call 24 hours a day to ensure your safety and wellbeing and a member of the team will make frequent visits to check the standard of your accommodation. You will also be invited to social events such as parties and quizzes, giving you the chance to meet new volunteers and relax after work. Questions regarding any aspect of this placement are welcome and our UK office is more than happy to offer guidance and advice.