Partnership with Nepal Children’s Organization
Project Profile: NCO (www.nconepal.org) is a national organization committed to improving the lives of children throughout Nepal, enabling them to survive and succeed. It was established in 1964 as an autonomous non-government organization. It has the most extensive programs for childcare and development with extensive geographical coverage in the Himalayan Kingdom. NCO focuses on child care and education for orphaned, abandoned and conflict affected children; rehabilitation of dependent children of prisoners; promotion of children’s rights; national and international adoption of children; educational support to children from low income families; and strengthening the capacity of its nationwide network.
Bal Mandir, Naxal, P.O. Box 6976 Kathmandu, Nepal
Tel: 977-1-4411202
Major contacts: info@nconepal.org; Kiran Shrestha- kiran_me98@hotmail.com; Bal Krishna Dangok (Deputy Director)- balkrishadangol@gmail.com; Asha Shrestha (Sponsorship and Planning Section)- shrestha_asha2000@yahoo.com
Website: www.nconepal.org
Partnership History: NCO has been an Omprakash partner since February, 2009. NCO was introduced to the Omprakash network by Sarah Zellweger, recipient of a 2008 Volunteer Grant. Contact Sarah at sarahzellweger@gmail.com to learn more about NCO.
Programs:
-Establishing and improving children’s programs throughout the country in all the 75 districts through District Branches
-Operating childcare centers for the orphaned, abandoned, conflict affected and dependent children of prisoners
-Providing quality child care at the child care centers and guidance to the families by conducting early child care, kindergarten and toddler’s educational programs
-Assisting orphaned and abandoned children to become competent and productive members of society
-Training teachers, care mothers and professionals on best practices for working with children
-Providing health services, educational support and distribution of nutritional food items to children and low-income families
-Conducting child rights advocacy programs through training and education
– Implementing activities to promote the participation of children in creative and developmental activities
Mission Statement: Our mission is to provide a thorough foundation for a secured and dignified future of orphaned, abandoned, conflict affected and dependent children of prisoners by collaborating with individuals and organizations throughout the world to strengthen the nationwide network and augment the capacity to provide them the best available care and support.
Needs: NCO is looking for support on a variety of levels. One need is for basic materials for the children (clothing, basic health care supplies, books and toys for the children). NCO is also in need of a more developed and funded nutrition program. They are also looking for sponsors for their educational sponsorship program- more information on this on their website ( there are 4 different levels of sponsorship). Donations of supplies of funds for the educational sponsorship program are greatly appreciated (and needed) at any level.
Need for Volunteers: NCO is looking for volunteers for a variety or programs and levels. They want to work with volunteers to help develop programs which fit the interests of the volunteers and the needs of the children. As a volunteer, you have many options. You could work with the administration to create a specific project (a nutrition project, a book drive, etc). Volunteers are also greatly needed at the group home located on site which houses 200 children. Volunteers are needed to spend time with the children doing basic things (like caring for infants, and helping to keep the children feed, bathed and clothed). You could also choose to teach in either the Bal Mandir Kindergarten or the government school that is on site. NCO is greatly in need of positive, flexible people willing to do anything to make the lives of these children a little better.
Volunteering Specifics: To register as a volunteer for NCO there is a $25 program fee. Furthermore, members of the NCO staff are willing to help volunteers find local Nepal host families if that is what they desire. The cost of this is small, around $50 per week, and includes meals. Another option for volunteers coming to Nepal is to stay in a guesthouse, most commonly in Thamel, a fifteen-minute walk from NCO and Bal Mandir Kindergarten. Here you can find housing ranging from $1-5 per day, depending on your preference and length of stay. The Kathmandu Guest House and the Excelsior Guest House offer cheap and clean rooms rented out by the week or month. Another option is to rent a room in a house upon arrival.