At Project Volunteer Nepal, we are not part of the commercial volunteering industry — we are its counterpart. We are a Nepalese non-profit organisation that believes volunteering should benefit local communities, not travel agencies. Our mission is simple: to raise awareness of the dark sides of commercial voluntourism and to offer responsible projects that truly make a difference.
Volunteering is a wonderful opportunity to connect people and strengthen humanity. Especially in a time where individualism and superficiality often replace real understanding, caring for others matters more than ever.
Why we need to be different
We dissociate ourselves from commercial volunteering agencies. Too many of them sell poverty as part of an adventure and take anyone who can pay — regardless of skills, background, or intentions. This turns empathy into a product and leads to projects that help no one.
We don’t want to be that.
Responsible volunteering requires preparation, humility, and respect. If you want to make a real contribution — not just collect memories — you are in the right place.
A needed counterpart that makes a difference
There are committed volunteers who truly want to help. For them, finding a transparent, socially responsible and fair organisation is not easy. We want to be this organisation for you.
We carefully match each volunteer with a project that fits their motivation and background. We offer free Orientation Courses and free Cultural Understanding Courses to prepare you for your work and for life in Nepal.
Learn more about our approach in Our Philosophy and Our Vision, and explore our focus on Responsible Volunteering.
What commercial voluntourism gets wrong
Commercial volunteering organisations often act like travel agencies selling expensive packages – sometimes as expensive as a short Caribbean cruise.
Anyone can join as long as they can pay, and “no experience needed” is treated like a favourable feature. But how can someone without relevant skills provide meaningful help to locals?
There is a substantial body of literature and journalism critical of commercial voluntourism. We encourage you to browse our curated List of Literature and read more in The Danger of Voluntourism.
We are the counterpart you are looking for
Instead of following market rules, we offer free volunteering programs — no administration fees. You only pay for your accommodation and meals during your stay at our home. We prepare you properly before you start.
Your dedication is valued. We are open to your ideas and will help you make a real difference.
We are transparent — you can always ask where your money goes and which aid projects we currently support. We cooperate with the German charitable organisation Hamromaya Nepal to implement and organise projects for children in Nepal.
Learn more about Who We Are, What We Offer and What We Expect From You.