UNICEF Nepal's volunteer initiative is seeking to empower young people across the country with the knowledge and skills to bring change in their communities By Kriti Thapa, Volunteer Initiative Coordinator, UNICEF Nepal 03 May 2023 UNICEF Nepal/2022 Following their orientation, the volunteers were among other young people that UNICEF tasked with observing and reporting on the protection environment specifically the risks faced by children, women and vulnerable groups, any incidents of concern in their communities through the PMIR system. Currently, UNICEF Nepal has more than 1,500 online youth volunteers in its roster under the Global Volunteer Initiative, where Kriti regularly interacts with youth to increase their awareness on various issues in society such as incidence reporting, COVID-19 awareness, climate change, and more. Prior to the Nepal earthquake approximately 16,000 children resided at orphanages in Nepal.1 It has been estimated that up to 85% of children in orphanages in Nepal have at least one living parent.2 How can orphanage volunteering be harmful ? Against this backdrop, to successfully manage the transition of graduating countries, especially in the context of global challenges, we call up on our international community and development partners, including multilateral development banks and international financial institutions to extend necessary support to the graduating LDCs in the spirit of the Doha Programme of Action that calls for international solidarity and reinvigorated global partnership Following the UN Reform in 2019, the Resident Coordinators function has been upgraded to be the representative of the UN Secretary General in member states. Across Nepal, cold chain support provided by the Government of Japan through UNICEF is helping to ensure that vaccines reach communities safely, In Nepal, Kangaroo Mother Care units set up with UNICEF support is is helping to ensure underweight and preterm newborns have the best chance of survival. If you would like to apply, you will first need to create a profile on the platform. You can provide feedback or partnership requests with Moreover, the municipality engineers will be trained on implicating RVA tools so that it will be continued beyond project period and replicated in other interventions. The event was attended by representatives from the Government of Nepal, Heads of agencies of the United Nations, Head of Missions/Ambassadors of development partners and EU Member States, and civil society organizations. Find out what the UN in Nepal is doing towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. One way is through a Rapid Vulnerability Assessment (RVA). I have so much more time now to care for my children, make sure they get ready for school on time, and to do other things, like tend to the vegetables in our garden, she says. The organization is registered with the District Administration Office (DAO), Kathmandu . Seema, who is 21 and a mother of an 8-year-old girl, shares she is content with her present life. UN Volunteers not only support the delivery of UNICEF's programmes, but they also contribute to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Perception Survey showed that 90% of the 4,000 respondents acknowledge that voluntary love marriage (Bhagi Bibaha) among minors is prevalent in their locality, while 19% indicated the continued prevalence of an arranged marriage (Magi Bibaha) among minors. Due to the existence of a deeply embedded patriarchal norms and unequal power relations, Nepal has a high prevalence of deeply-rooted traditional practices such as caste-based discrimination, chhaupadi and menstrual restrictions, child marriage, dowry, and witchcraft accusation and persecution. However, Nir still finds it challenging to locate accessible documents, as most are only available in PDF or image format. A group of elderly residents of Kalyanpur in Saptari District walk towards the vaccination site on 7 March to get the COVID-19 vaccine, Elderly people walk into the premises of the Kalyanpur Primary Health Care Center in Saptari District to get vaccinated against COVID-19, Healthworkers (left) at the Kalyanpur Primary Health Care Centre register the details of elderly people who have come to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, Female community health volunteer Lalita Gupta (left) helps 75-year-old Musini Yadav (centre) as healthworker Raj Kumar Shah (right) prepares to administer the COVID-19 vaccine. Lalita Gupta (right) talks to an elderly member of her community about when and how to get the COVID-19 vaccine. UNV works in 150 countries and territories, deploying UN Volunteers to advance sustainable development at grassroots level. They reflected that the RVA contains many important information such as on vulnerability, population, vulnerable population, which can be used for risk-transfer through insurance. She expressed the UNs commitment to accompany Nepal on the inclusive and sustainable graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) by investing in people, specially strengthening social protection, Disaster Risk Reduction and climate change mitigation systems by leaving no one behind. Archana Karki, another volunteer, says that it was a relief to be able to talk so openly with others like her about such an important topic, given that we come from a society where "only physical pain is acknowledged. As a young person myself, I am always surprised by the talent, motivation, confidence, and creative ideas these young people have for their country. More recently, volunteers from Province 1, Bagmati and Gandaki Provinces also took part in a Protection Monitoring and Incident Reporting or PMIR programme. Details Apply. She wants to invest in her daughters education so that her daughter can achieve her full potential. Nepal committed to the SDGs early on, and this commitment has been reaffirmed in key policy documents, such as the current 15th Development Plan and the 25 Year Long-Term Vision 2100 that internalises the Goals. Sagar Prasai (Diverse Patterns), Using Innovative Technology for Earthquake Preparedness. I wish wed had the stove sooner. Her mother initially brought Seema back from her boyfriends house and asked her to focus on her education and wait until she gained some maturity. A few times, the burning in her eyes and respiratory issues had compelled her to seek medical help at hospitals in the cities of Nepalgunj and Surkhet, journeys that took hours and cost money. Speaking from his own experience,Sagar Parajuli shed light about the importance of mental health supportfor young people. Bringing vaccine awareness to communities | UNICEF Nepal Minister of Finance Prakash Sharan Mahat, Hon. This is a sentiment that is echoed by most active volunteers, many of whom say they have enjoyed the exposure and learning that the different programmes virtual or otherwise have provided them, as well as the opportunity to give back. requires at least 5% of the total insurance policies sold by non-life insurance companies to be for agriculture, livestock and produce, has helped to insure almost $24 million worth of agricultural products, the penetration rate of agricultural insurance in Nepal where most such products are indemnity-based is around 1, Jeevan Bikas Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited. Kathmandu, Nepal: In Sadhana Bhandaris mind, the term first aid had always been linked to providing medical attention to people during emergencies never had she thought it could include psychological care as well. --Kriti Thapa. In some cases, children are also kept in poor conditions. Since its inception in 1995, the Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys, known as MICS, has become the largest source of statistically sound and internationally comparable data on women and children worldwide. We need laws, police and courts willing to create consequences for illegal activity. She eloped with her boyfriend, who was two-class senior to her in school, when she just became a teenager. She is also learning some new skills. Seema does not want her daughter to repeat her same mistakes. They are qualified, highly motivated and inspirational individuals committed to the principles and ideals of the United Nations. Female community health volunteer Lalita Gupta (left) with daughter Khushbu (right) outside their home in Kalyanpur, Saptari District, Nepal has also received the first consignment of COVID-19 vaccines shipped through the COVAX Facility. Nepal progresses significantly in nutrition of mothers and children at risk: UNICEF There are many reasons behind this improvement but one of the major reasons is the involvement of more than 50,000 female community health volunteers. Her mother-in-law Sumitra had been a female community health volunteer as well, until she passed away very recently. In response to the alarming trends of growing racism, intolerance, violent misogyny and hatred around the world, the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres launched the United Nations Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech in 2019. UNICEF works with the global U-Report platform where some 8,700 U-Reporters share their voices and information about issues affecting young people and children. Learn about employment opportunities across the UN in Nepal. UNICEF and its collaborators urges those wanting to volunteer with children, that are not qualified professionals, to reconsider. How can you help children in Nepal ? Healthworker Raj Kumar Shah prepares to administer the COVID-19 vaccine at the Kalyanpur Primary Health Care Centre. Nepal has not only the opportunity, but the necessity, to count on all of its people, including women and men in all their diversity to make these ambitions happen, said Director Peteris Ustubs. UNICEF External/Internal Batch Vacancy Notice: Drivers, GS-2, Fixed Term Appointment, Dhangadhi & Surkhet, Nepal (Nepal, Chief Nutrition, P4, Fixed Term, Kathmandu, Nepal #90779 (Open to Non-Nepalese Nationals), Daily Job Alerts: Stay Updated, Stay Ahead with Pro Membership, Fundraising Manager (High Value), P-4, Fixed Term position for 1 year, ROSA, Kathmandu, Nepal, Early Childhood Nutrition and Development Specialist, P4, FT, ROSA, Kathmandu, Nepal, Information Management Specialist (Data Analytics), P-4, FT, ROSA, Kathmandu, Nepal, Education Specialist (Sector Coordination & Partner Engagement), P3, Fixed Term, Kathmandu, Nepal #124121 (Open for Non, Statistics & Monitoring Specialist, P-4, ROSA, Kathmandu, Nepal, Fund Raising Specialist (Diaspora, faith, NatCom engagement), P-4, ROSA, Kathmandu, Nepal, Emergency Specialist, P-3, TA (364 days), ROSA, Kathmandu, Nepal, Gender Programme Specialist (Immunization), P4, Regional Office for South Asia, Kathmandu, Nepal (364 days), Health Specialist (Public Health Emergencies), P4, Regional Office for South Asia, Kathmandu, Nepal (364 days), Social Policy Specialist (Cash in Emergencies) P4, Regional Office for South Asia, Kathmandu, Nepal (364 days), Communication Officer (Joint Programme on Gender)- NO-2, Fixed-Term, Kathmandu, Nepal #124167 (Only for Nepalese nation, Monitoring & Evaluation Officer (Joint Programme on Gender)- NO-2, Fixed-Term, Kathmandu, Nepal #124166 (Only for Nepal, Gender Programme Specialist (Joint Programme Coordinator)-NO3, Fixed-Term, Kathmandu, Nepal #124165 (Only for Nepalese , Re-advertised: Internal/External Vacancy Notice: Immunization Specialist, P3, Fixed-term, Kathmandu, Nepal (Post#119665), Information Management Specialist (Data Analytics), P4, FT, ROSA, Kathmandu, Nepal, Emergency Specialist, P4, TA, ROSA, Kathmandu, Nepal, Generic Job Vacancy: Human Resources Officer/Senior Human Resources Assistant (NO-1/GS-7), ROSA, Kathmandu, Nepal (Only, UNICEF External/Internal Vacancy Notice: Driver, GS-2, Fixed Term Appointment, Janakpur, Nepal (Nepalese Nationals Only), Re-advertisement : Risk and Compliance Manager, P4, ROSA, Kathmandu - Nepal, Social and Behaviour Change (SBC) Specialist, P4, Regional Office for South Asia, Kathmandu, Nepal (11.5 months), Chief Education, P4, Kathmandu, Nepal, Open for Non-Nepalese Nationals, UNICEF Internal/External Vacancy Notice: Child Protection Officer, NOB, Fixed Term Appointment, Nepalgunj, Nepal. A specific set of questions were designed to assess the structure of the house externally and inform whether they seemed earthquake resilient. This encompasses support to improving vaccine storage facilities at the central, provincial, district and local levels, through installation of vaccine refrigerators and freezers, and provision of cold boxes and carriers, as well as technical and logistical assistance for effective vaccine and cold chain management, among other forms of support. Every year on 12 August, the world observes Youth Day, this year's theme Intergenerational Solidarity: Creating a world for all ages was dedicated to youth and their role in bringing about a positive change to the world. During the pandemic, virtual meetings have been very beneficial. Later, as restrictions relaxed, she rejoined UNICEF as national Youth Volunteer and served under the youth initiatives of the organization. In western Nepal, UNICEF is partnering with local governments to help children become stronger, effective advocates for child rights and child-friendly gove, In Nepal, a group of adolescents is working to design a chatbot to help their peers more easily access mental health and psychosocial support services, UNICEF appoints seven youth advocates for child rights, A young filmmaker talks about life during lockdown, the things he misses the most, and how young people can support each other in these difficult times, By Kriti Thapa, Volunteer Initiative Coordinator, UNICEF Nepal. An Arial view of Namuna Basti. Child marriage is a core development and human rights issue which is directly linked with eight of the seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are Goals 1 (poverty), 2 (food security), 3 (health), 4 (education), 5 (gender equality), 8 (economic growth), 10 (inequality), and 16 (peace). It's also a major hub for travelers, so-called "voluntourists," socially conscious travelers who are drawn in by the opportunity to give something back to the impoverished country, one of the poorest on earth. Congratulations to the UNV Country Award winners 2021 | UNV I call on each one of you to support the LGBTIQ community, so we can live with dignity.. But the societal pressure was one of the factors that constrained her from staying with her mother. Vacancies in UNICEF, Kathmandu | UNjobs Gangas family is among 9,844 households that have so far received such improved eco-cookstoves as part of the Eco-Zone programme launched by UNICEF with generous funding support from the Jersey Overseas Aid in partnership with six municipalities in the Sudurpaschim and Karnali Provinces. Let's Take Action Towards the Sustainable Development Goals. From the Perception Survey carried out by the UN, among the 4,000 respondents from 16 districts, 97% indicated that they have accepted the prevalence ofcaste-based discrimination in their locality. Five teams were selected in this challenge based on their advocacy campaigns. MICS. Volunteers | UNICEF Nepal Volunteer Opportunities UNV regularly publishes volunteer opportunities on its Unified Volunteering Platform. Ive learned to identify vulnerable children to protect them from abuse and violence through timely reporting, she says. A force for good | UNICEF Nepal Although majority of people in her area are more than willing to get the vaccine, Lalita does come across some who are hesitant and scared. So, the only choice I had was to go back to the person I love because no one would have accepted me as a wife later, shared Seema. UNV is administered by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). I wanted to take it, she says. All a person wants is to be heard without being judged.. "I myself went through repeated phases of feeling depressed at the start of the lockdown.". With poverty, lack of education and discrimination based on her caste that she faces every day, giving a decent life to her children is a constant struggle. We need to create strong alliances that address the issues beyond regulation, involving the private sector, civil society, and communities so digital literacy and awareness of the impact of hate speech goes hand in hand with improved internet access. We can manage with just around three loads per month because the new stove doesnt need so much wood, she says.