Welcome to Peace Corps in Nepal

Welcome to the Peace Corps in Nepal. Volunteers work to promote English language skills and food security in rural communities. The Peace Corps has a long history of serving in Nepal since 1962, with over 4,000 volunteers have served. The program was suspended in 2004, but Nepal invited the Peace Corps to return in 2011. Now, volunteers work on two projects: Teaching English as a Foreign Language and Agriculture. While working in Nepal, volunteers face ongoing challenges such as working within the confines of traditional customs. In this blog post, we will explore the history of the Peace Corps in Nepal, the government and economy, as well as the country’s people, culture, and geography.

a classroom of Nepali students — Peace Corps Media Library

History of the Peace Corps in Nepal

The Peace Corps began operations in Nepal in 1962. Over 4,000 volunteers served in schools, government agencies, and NGOs. But operations were suspended in 2004 due to security concerns. In 2011, the Nepalese government invited the Peace Corps to return. The Peace Corps held re-launch ceremonies in 2012.

Peace Corps Programming in Nepal

Peace Corps/Armenia has two projects: teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) and Agriculture (AG).

Teacher Jim celebrating his birthday with his 6th grade Nepali class — **Celebrating my birthday with my 6th grade class in Nepal**

Education – Teaching English as a Foreign Language

The English Education project aims to improve the English communication skills among students so they can access academic and/or professional opportunities. Education Volunteers teach classes 5-8 in rural government schools, and the project has three primary focus areas: 1). Improve the skills of Nepali English Teachers so they can teach English more effectively; 2). Increasing English skills among students in grades 5-8; and 3). Strengthening community support for English language learning.

A Peace Corps volunteer working in the garden with his female Nepali counterpart — Peace Corps Media Library

Agriculture – Food Security

The Food Security Project aims to improve the food and nutrition security of rural Nepalese families. The target communities of the project are small rural farming families, particularly women and children. The project focuses on nutrition-sensitive agriculture. The key areas of work are soil conservation/management, bio-intensive gardening, fruit tree cultivation, and nutrition education.

Country Overview: Nepal at a Glance

History

The first civilizations in Nepal began in the Kathmandu Valley in the 6th century BC. Hinduism became the predominant religion in Nepal during the 12th century. Nepal’s borders expanded from Kashmir to Sikkim under the rule of King Prithvi Narayan Shah, who unified the kingdom in 1768. Nepal gained recognition of its independence from Britain in 1923. The Rana family ruled Nepal between 1846-1951, but in 1951 the king took over all power and proclaimed a constitutional monarchy. Since then, Nepal’s history has been largely shaped by the government.

A Peace Corps volunteer showing kids how to wash hands with soap and water — Peace Corps Media Library

Government

Nepal’s government was a constitutional monarchy until a pro-democracy movement in 1990 led to democratic elections. But, after the king was murdered by a family member in 2001 and a Maoist-led “people’s war” caused instability in the monarchy and government. The Maoist party joined the political system after the end of the 10-year rebellion in 2006. In 2015, Nepal adopted a new constitution written by representatives of the people. The government of Nepal is now a federal parliamentary republic. Nepal has continued to experience political instability due to frequent changes in government and power struggles among political parties.

Economy

Nepal is one of the poorest countries with a population of almost 30 million, and 90% of the population depends on agriculture. The country’s economic growth is limited by various factors such as low per capita income, lack of capital, technology, and skills, a fragmented market, and landlocked status. Nepal’s economic development is influenced by other countries, particularly India and China, which are significant sources of capital, technology, and raw materials. Tourism is one of the primary sources of foreign currency.

A female Peace Corps volunteer working with another woman in her host family to prepare some food — Peace Corps Media Library

People and Culture

Nepal has a diverse population made up of descendants from India, Tibet, and Central Asia. This results in a unique blend of cultures. The majority of the population is Hindu. But there are smaller percentages practicing Buddhism, Islam, and other religions. Rural areas are likely to be composed of a variety of ethnic groups. Customs and traditions will vary based on location and ethnic group. The people in the far western region tend to be more traditional and conservative compared to those in the east.

Working within the confines of customs while maintaining their perspective will be an ongoing challenge for Volunteers. In general, Nepalis are friendly, helpful, honest, and generous.

map of Nepal — Free to use for non-commercial use – copyright OneTheWorldMap.com

Geography

Nepal is a landlocked country in South Asia, bordered by China to the north and India to the south, east, and west. The Himalayas, including Mount Everest, run along Nepal’s northern border. This makes it a popular destination for mountain climbers and trekkers. Nepal is also home to several major rivers, including the Koshi, Gandaki, and Karnali. These flow from the mountains and provide water for irrigation and hydroelectric power. The country has a varied landscape, including plains in the south, hills and valleys in the center, and the highest mountains in the world in the north. Nepal’s geography has also contributed to its isolation and limited economic development. This is because it is difficult to transport goods across its rugged terrain.

Peace Corps in Nepal

Nepal is a fascinating and diverse country with a rich history and vibrant culture. Despite facing a range of challenges, the Nepali people are known for their warm hospitality and resilience in the face of adversity. The Peace Corps has a long history of serving in Nepal, working to improve education and food security in rural communities. As the country continues to navigate political and economic changes, the Peace Corps will play an important role in supporting its development and growth. Through fostering mutual understanding and cooperation between Americans and Nepalis, the Peace Corps will continue to make a lasting impact on the lives of those it serves.

PDF Download: The Peace Corps Welcomes You to Nepal (2015)

Recommended Books, Movies & Videos

Books About Nepal

“The Violet Shyness of Their Eyes: Notes from Nepal.” Scot, Barbara J., 2005
- In 1990, high school teacher Scot had a mid-life crisis and left Portland, Oregon to teach English in Nepal. Her diary entries describe her experience in Nepalese society, including the inferior status of Nepali women, as well as memories of her “male-dominated childhood.” While some of her analogies are forced or disjointed, her sincere and generous tone makes her writing engaging. She makes insightful observations, such as how her struggles with Nepali language helped her understand her son’s dyslexia. Some stories of culture shock are less revealing, but her attempts to assist a Nepali man in studying for the TOEFL test are amusing. Overall, her diary offers an interesting perspective on life in Nepal.

“Arresting God in Kathmandu.” Upadhyay, Samrat, 2001
- Arresting God in Kathmandu is a book by Nepali author Upadhyay, who was the first Nepali author writing in English to be published in the West. The book explores desire and spirituality in a changing society, and the impact of modernization on love and family. The characters in the book are bound together by arranged marriages, but driven by a desire for connection and transcendence. Set in a city where gods are omnipresent, the characters struggle to balance their desires with the expectations of their society. Upadhyay’s writing is psychologically rich and acute, and the book introduces a powerful new voice in contemporary fiction.

“Forget Kathmandu.” Thapa, Manjushree, 2005
- In 2001, the king of Nepal and most of his family were killed, which triggered a period of unrest and turmoil in Nepal. The monarchy was reinstated in 2005, crushing hopes of democratic governance. The following years were marked by a bloody insurgency led by Maoists, a violent counter-insurgency by the monarchy, and political parties fighting each other. Forget Kathmandu is a book that covers the history of Nepal, from the beginning of the monarchy to the present day, and includes elements of history, memoir, reportage, travelogue, and analysis. The book provides an unflinching and clear-eyed look at the country’s troubled politics and remains relevant to present-day Nepal.

Books/Movies on Nepal RPCVs

“At Home in the World: Globalization and the Peace Corps in Nepal.” Fisher, James F, 2013
- This book provides a first-hand account and critical analysis of the first group of American Peace Corps volunteers who arrived in Nepal in 1962, just after the King had seized absolute power and the country began to open up to the outside world. The book examines the successes and failures of the volunteers in their efforts to promote Nepalese development, and also explores how their transformative experience impacted their own lives. The book places the mission in the context of globalization and social change, and will be of interest to those studying transnational anthropology. Overall, it is a rewarding read that sheds light on the impact of international aid efforts and cultural exchange.

“The Springs of Namje: A Ten-Year Journey from the Villages of Nepal to the Halls of Congress.” Goyal, Rajeev, 2012
- “The Springs of Namje” is a memoir by Rajeev Goyal, a former Peace Corps volunteer in Nepal. Goyal details his experience in the remote village of Namje, where he learned about rural development and witnessed the power of the seemingly lowliest villager to influence the government. He later applied the lessons he learned in Namje to his work on Capitol Hill, leading a grassroots campaign to double the size of the Peace Corps. Despite enduring missteps and his idealism fading into fear, anger, and frustration, Goyal managed to make allies of more than a hundred members of Congress and secured a $60-million increase in funding for the Peace Corps. The book offers daring ideas for how organizations can be even more relevant to our rapidly changing world.

“Nepali Aama: Life Lessons of Himalayan Woman.” Coburn, Brot, 1995
- The book “Nepali Aama: Life Lessons of a Himalayan Woman” by Broughton Coburn is a personal account of his experiences living and working with a septuagenarian Nepalese widow named Vishnu Maya Gurung, known as Aama. The book includes Aama’s wisdom and observations on life in a rural third-world setting, illustrated with Coburn’s photographs. The story offers insight into the strength and resilience of the human spirit, as well as the culture, humor, folklore, and religion of the region. Coburn shares how Aama and her community’s values and philosophy have taught him life lessons that are valuable everywhere.

“Aama in America: A Pilgrimage of the Heart.” Coburn, Brot., 1995
- “Aama in America” is a memoir of Broughton Coburn’s experience traveling across 25 states in America with his Nepalese friend, Vishnu Maya (Aama), in 1988. The book is both an offbeat travelogue and a deep exploration of beliefs, values, and lost spirituality in America. The journey offers a new perspective on the country’s culture and landscape, guided by Aama’s deeply spiritual orientation and curiosity. The book presents a unique account of the meeting of two widely divergent cultures.

“Jimi Sir.” YouTube documentary about a PCV who served in the early 1980s
- Take a journey to Melung, a village in Nepal where a Peace Corps volunteer named Jimi lived and taught for two years. The journey offers insight into the unique culture of the area, where the Buddhist and Hindu religions coexist, and explores the challenges faced by Nepal, including deforestation and poor water quality. The video provides a glimpse of life in a region without modern amenities such as electricity or plumbing, and provides a perspective on the Western way of life. The video is recommended for those interested in visiting or who have visited Nepal, and for current or potential Peace Corps volunteers.