Code Of Conduct

Code Of Conduct, Do’s and Don’ts

This code of conduct sets out our expectations of volunteers while at the Nepalunteer camp and at work.It is a shorter version of a detailed Code of Conduct, Do’s and Don’ts which participants receive once they become a part of Nepalunteer & our volunteering projects. Code of Conduct says:

Drugs, Tobacco & Alcohol

At Work- Don’t smoke or drink alcohol in the project area. Consumption of alcohol and smoking are prohibited in the project area. Volunteers are perceived as role models for children and smoking or drinking is viewed unfavorably in these communities.
At the Camp – Drugs are strictly prohibited at Nepalunteer camp.
Alcohol: If you drink alcohol, you must do so responsibly. The camp doesn’t allows alcohol consumption but you can drink outside in your free time and only in moderation.
Smoking is not permitted at the camp but only in designated area like roof and terrace. Camp don’t allow participants to smoke inside buildings.

Sexual Behavior

As in your normal work place, any kind of physical intimacy or sexual contact is strictly prohibited in the Nepalunteer camp and at work.
Do not flirt or involve yourself in any physical relationship with project staff or camp staff as this could lead to the termination of their employment with Nepalunteer.
Do not engage in any physical relationship with your fellow volunteers unless you have joined the program as a couple.

Dressing

Do not wear clothes that don’t fit with the local culture and highlight your western descent or higher status inappropriately.
We recommend that women cover up as much as possible in the spirit of the local culture to avoid embarrassment to our male staff that come from various parts of India and may not be accustomed to seeing women dressed in skimpy or low-cut tops etc. Do not bare your shoulders or belly unless you are wearing a Nepali sari. Your clothes must not be too short, too tight or figure-hugging.

Professional Conduct

Working in tandem with your fellow volunteers, abiding by work place regulations and listening to the Project Executive are the minimum expectations.
As a responsible volunteer and a role-model for the community, you are expected to be present at your work on time. Please note that it is not so much the responsibility of the Project Executive to mind the timings as much as it is yours.
You are expected to comply with the attendance policies at Nepalunteer projects.

Use of Recording Devices

Using photo or video cameras in the project area is not allowed. Unless, you have a journalist visa, video filming or still photography could lead to complications with local authorities if the subject & purpose is not tourism-related. If you really need to record at work, seek permission from the Project Executive before bringing cameras to work or using it in the community.

Group Communication

Respectful Communication: Participants should be courteous when communicating to Nepalunteer host family or work place staff
Anger Management: There will be several occasions where you might find it challenging to control your dissatisfaction or emotions. However, as a responsible volunteer you should not take that out on others or shout at people around you.
Interaction with different nationalities: You are likely to be with people from a variety of other countries but English is the recommended language at Nepalunteer among colleagues or staff members unless one is in a group where another foreign language is understood and spoken by all.

In Nepal people are still parochial in spite of being warm and caring. They won’t ask for much, but some basic attitudes and mannerisms that they prefer travelers to follow. Let’s take a quick look at the Do’s & Don’ts that’ll help you to act and seem well-mannered with regards to Nepalese culture and traditions.

Do’s:

– Greet people with a gesture of Namaste (fold your hands to join your palms). People in Nepal aren’t comfortable with the Western style of shaking hands.

– Use both your hands instead of one, when giving or receiving something, even money. This is a gesture of respect.

– Use your right hand to eat your food. That’s how the locals eat!

– Dress modestly, so that your body is covered properly, especially when you are going to visit a religious place.

– Leave your shoes outside, while entering someone’s house, temples or monasteries.

– It’s illegal to take Nepalese currency outside the country, and it’s considered to be a restricted currency. You should change back any Nepalese currency you have before leaving for home.

– Make sure to support the ‘Non-Plastic Movement’. The people in Nepal are trying to curb down the usage of plastic. Carry your own bottle of water while traveling.

– Do get a receipt of authenticity when purchasing an antique replica, otherwise, you will not be allowed to take it out of the country.

Don’ts:

– Like several other Asian countries, Nepalese people also disapprove of touching the head. Don’t touch anybody’s head, even as a friendly gesture, as that wouldn’t be appreciated.

– Don’t offer food to the natives after tasting it, or from a common plate.

– Don’t leave food on your plate at your host’s place. It’s considered to be very disrespectful if you don’t finish your food.

– Don’t give money to the beggars. If you give money to one, several others will come and flock around you.

– Don’t take photographs of people and Holy Shrines without seeking permission.

– Don’t be surprised if people ask you personal questions like your age, marital status, profession etc. It is quite common in Nepal.

– Don’t ask for beef at restaurants, as beef is rarely available in the country. Having a majority of Hindus and Buddhists, cow is regarded as a holy animal.