Official Peace Corps Information on Nepal Programs
The first Volunteers arrived in Nepal in 1962, making the country program one of Peace Corps' oldest. Those Volunteers trained their national counterparts in building infrastructure and in basic programs such as agriculture and education. Since that time, the population in Nepal has increased from nine million to 20 million.
While Nepal is still mostly rural, the urban population has been growing at more than 8 percent annually, outstripping available infrastructure and placing new pressures on local governments. Volunteers help address these challenges by working in education, health, environment, urban and youth development, and agriculture.
Education
Many Nepali teachers have little classroom training. To address this issue, education Volunteers teach English, math and science in primary and secondary schools. Many Education Volunteers organize and implement in-service trainings at schools and are involved in community development while continuing their work as classroom and resource teachers.
Health
Health Volunteers in Nepal often focus on maternal health. They are involved in activities such as family planning counseling, educating expectant mothers, and training local health workers and birth attendants at the district level.
Other Volunteers in the health sector work to improve the sanitary conditions of rural and semi-urban communities by providing skill training to local government workers and local villagers, and by constructing and maintaining sanitary systems.
Environment
Volunteers work in conservation education and community development within protected areas. They also have been involved in training activities in such areas as producing food, constructing smokeless cooking stoves, and improving both crop yield and food preparation.
Agriculture
Soil conservation Volunteers promote soil conservation in rural hill villages to help farmers develop agricultural practices that help conserve valuable soil resources from erosion and degradation. Community Forestry Volunteers work in conjunction with Nepali counterparts to train village user groups to conserve forest resources and develop management plans for ensuring resources are used in a sustainable manner.
Community Development
In recent years, Nepal has experienced rapid population growth in urban areas. As part of the response to this situation, youth development Volunteers assist municipalities to develop plans and programs for at-risk youth. They work with local NGOs to develop technical skills and youth employment opportunities. The Volunteers also involve youth in community service activities such as conservation, youth camps, services for the elderly and disabled, peer counseling and sports.
