Musahar Heritage: Nepal's Indigenous Community

Infos

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  Description

  Hi, I am Sandeep, and live in Kathmandu. I work as a human resources officer in a software company and am passionate about climate action. I also manage an NGO in eastern Nepal, which focuses on promoting girls' education, fighting the dowry system, and supporting the local communities in Kataiya village in the Saptari district.
  
  My father works as a local news journalist, my mother takes care of our home and farm, and we all work together to make a difference in our small village. We are looking for people who share our enthusiasm for community development and education. As a volunteer, you would have the opportunity to engage in cultural exchange, assist local agriculture, and guide students at a government school.
  
  Our non-governmental organization is comprised of a team of five highly committed volunteers who are dedicated to making a significant impact in Nepal by improving economic and social conditions. We are seeking your assistance in achieving our goals. Your support would be greatly appreciated.

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  Types d'aide et opportunités d'apprendre

  Bénévolat

  Aide avec des éco-projets

  Enseignement

  Jardinage

  Aide dans une ferme

  Cuisine/repas pour la famille

  Aide à la maison
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  Objectifs de développement durable de l’ONU que cet hôte essaie d'atteindre

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  Qu'est-ce que c'est ?
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  Echange culturel et opportunités d'apprendre

  To gain a deeper understanding of the Musahar group, it is important to explore their cultural beliefs, practices, and social taboos surrounding sensitive issues such as underage marriage and the dowry system. You can immerse yourself in the Maithili language to gain personal knowledge about the Musahar way of life within their community. Living along the border, the most vulnerable residents face numerous difficulties due to a lack of basic infrastructure. Marginalized areas have limited government programs, resulting in problems such as insufficient drinking water and power sources, poor education, and poor health standards.
  
  The lack of a suitable school in the community is putting the future of children at risk. Due to financial difficulties, children often end up working in India or Kathmandu. The Musahar community still faces the stigma of untouchability, which results in prejudice in many aspects of life, such as entering houses or sharing meals. Domestic abuse and violence are more prevalent against women. Education has the potential to transform lives, and it is critical to have a school that not only delivers knowledge but also instills feelings of equality and awareness. The young people of the community need guidance for a brighter future, and a school can be the lighthouse that guides them towards a life of equality and knowledge. The envisioned school would not only provide academic education but also practical training for children in disciplines such as repair and handicrafts, as well as stimulate entrepreneurship and pre-vocational pieces of training. Women would benefit from empowering evening sessions that cover gender violence, the role of women in family and village dynamics, basic awareness, and literacy. The goal of these sessions is to bring about a positive transition in the Musahar community.

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  Projets impliquant des enfants

  Ce projet peut impliquer des enfants. Pour en savoir plus, consultez nos directives et conseils ici.

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  Aide

  Join our volunteer program and make a personal difference in the Nepalese community. You will be working with a local NGO and teaching at a government school. Your main role will be to assist in the enrollment of girls and challenge the entrenched dowry system. As the level of English literacy among teachers and students is currently low, your skill in establishing creative teaching approaches is priceless. Your guidance and mentoring will help to ensure long-term educational practices. Apart from teaching, you can also become involved in community initiatives and learn about local agriculture practices. You can share and put global techniques into action to help the community thrive.
  
  Join us in making a difference in the lives of those in need! We are currently seeking medical practitioners to volunteer at a local hospital, both short-term and long-term. Your expertise and dedication can help provide essential care to those who need it most. Don't miss this opportunity to make a positive impact in your community.
  
  If you become an active member of the community, you will be more than a volunteer.

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  Langues

  Langues parlées
  Anglais: Intermédiaire
  Hindi: Intermédiaire
  Nepali: Intermédiaire

  Cet hôte propose un échange linguistique
  If you want to truly immerse yourself in the Kataiya community, learning Maithali can be extremely helpful. Maithali, my mother tongue, is unique and distinct from Nepali and Hindi, as it reflects the linguistic tapestry of our community. It is the predominant language spoken by most Kataiyans, with only a few individuals understanding English and Nepali. By actively engaging with us and understanding Maithali, you can establish lasting connections during your stay in Kataiya.
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  Hébergement

  You will be stationed in the village of Kataiya, which is situated in the Saptari district of Nepal. The village can be reached via daily flights from Kathmandu or by bus/van. Although our headquarters are in Kathmandu, most of your responsibilities will be in Kataiya. You will be living in a hamlet with clay houses and thatched roofs. Depending on the availability of materials, your accommodation may have metal sheet roofs and masonry walls. The host family will provide two meals a day, with flexible timings to suit your needs. Rice, lentils, vegetables, and pickles are common ingredients in these meals.
  
  Kataiya is a community situated in the Sagarmatha Zone of Nepal's Eastern Development Region. It is located in the southeastern part of the Saptari district, approximately 25 kilometers south of the Mahendra highway. The village is positioned just two minutes away from the Indian border, and it has a unique connection to cross-border trade and marriage ceremonies. This bond is often compared to that of bread and butter.
  
  In Kataiya, there are various castes coexisting, and the Musahar community has a significant presence. This tribe is often referred to as "rat-eaters" and is considered untouchable. They perform labor-intensive agricultural work throughout the year, but their pay is meager. Although many people have stopped eating field rats, some still consume them. However, an increasing number of individuals are leaving in search of better job opportunities, relocating to Kathmandu, India, or even abroad, mainly to the Middle East.

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  Autres infos...

  Come and explore the vibrant market of Saptari district, located in eastern Nepal, which springs to life twice a week on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Here, you can immerse yourself in the colourful local life and culture. Saptari is renowned for its abundance of organic fruits and vegetables, so don't miss out on the opportunity to sample them. You should also attend the festivals and social gatherings of the Musahar community, which are steeped in old traditional customs. The festivals are a lively affair, with big sound systems playing resonant mantras and hymns that can be heard from afar. During these festivals, visit the revered Dakneshwori temple, which attracts pilgrims from all corners of the region.

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  Informations complémentaires

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    Accès Internet

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    Accès Internet limité

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    Nous avons des animaux

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    Nous sommes fumeurs

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    Familles bienvenues

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  Combien de volontaires pouvez-vous accueillir ?

  Plus de 2

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  Nombre d'heures attendues

  Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week

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