Partnership with Prisoners’ Assistance Nepal

Projects: PA Nepal provides a home for children who would otherwise be in jail with a convicted parent.  We have two children’s homes, one in Kathmandu, and one in a village 20 km away called Sankhu.  There are currently 30 children living in the home in Kathmandu, and 65 living in Sankhu.  With GEN (Girls Education Nepal), we are supporting an additional 50 girls and their families in Eastern Nepal.  PA Nepal has developed its own school, called Junkiri – an alternative mainstream approach to education that aims to bring out the unique potential in children and that is compatible for a village Nepali environment.  We run Junkiri schools in each of our children’s homes, and have a third in Eastern Nepal.  We have also recently opened a day care centre in Biratnagar for children who are still living in prison with their mothers, and are too young to be separated.  PA Nepal is active in its support for the children who remain in jail and for the prisoners, particularly the prisoners in the female central jail. We are currently running skills training and income generating activities in the female jail. We are also running a project that is looking at the needs of the mentally ill in prison.

Contact: Indira Ranamagar- p_a_nepal@yahoo.com; PCN 363, PO Box 8974, Kathmandu, Nepal

Phone (office): 436-4896
Phone (mobile): 985-1040-833
http://www.thequietrevolution.net/panepal/history.htm

Partnership History: PA Nepal has been an Omprakash partner since February, 2009. PA Nepal 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 this organization.

Volunteer Program: Life as a volunteer at PA Nepal is guaranteed to be an incredible and moving experience. Volunteers work in either of the Children’s Home for varying lengths of time. There may also be the opportunity to work in some of the prisons that PA Nepal assists. The only skills required are maturity and a desire to bring some love and compassion into the lives of some very special children. Many volunteers work only before or after school.  During this time you will be required to play with the children, assist with homework and provide a listening ear. If you wish to contribute beyond this then you are always welcome!  Some volunteers also help teach in our Junkiri School. There are no fees required to volunteer at PA Nepal and no placement agencies that you need deal with. All we ask for is your time. We can assist you in finding accommodation near our children’s home in Kathmandu.  Should you prefer to volunteer at our children’s home in Sankhu, accommodation will be provided, although we ask that you make a small donation to cover living expenses.

How to Volunteer: If this sounds like the opportunity you have been looking for, please contact PA Nepal through any of the addresses listed above.  Applications will then be considered by Indira. Successful applicants will need to be willing to undergo some training and supervision whilst at the home. Please contact Indira at p_a_nepal@yahoo.com.