Andrea Schmelcher
Director
About the charity
Working together, from Canada to Nepal.
Friends of Volunteers Initiative Nepal (VIN), Canada works with local organizations to help marginalized rural communities build the skills and resources to meet their own needs. We fund household water systems, food-growing education, life-skills training and scholarships, with projects shaped by local knowledge.
Our role
Our current work centres on household water systems in Okhaldhunga. Our charitable activity areas also include permaculture education, life-skills training and scholarships for rural students.
The Canadian charity defines and approves projects, agrees budgets, provides funding and reviews reporting. Volunteers Initiative Nepal (VIN) is an important Nepali partner, bringing community relationships and experience in construction and training.
We are independently governed in Canada by a Board of Directors and may work with VIN and other local organizations. Gifts support the Canadian charity’s work, rather than VIN’s general programming.
See the partnership in the water-tank case studySkills and resources that stay in the community
Our goal is for communities to manage more of their water, food and learning needs themselves over time. Training, household participation and local maintenance skills matter alongside the equipment or funding. Projects should leave people better able to look after what has been built and decide what they need next.
How communities, local organizations and the Canadian charity work together
Following the work
For the 2026 water project, VIN provides quarterly activity and financial reporting. The completion report is due by the end of January 2027. Our case study describes the agreed scope and distinguishes it from VIN’s earlier results.
Community representatives and participating households help identify needs and workable sites. Local crews carry out the technical work, and families learn how to operate and maintain the installations.
Board of Directors
Governed in Canada.
Ursula Schmelcher
Director
Cassie Dong
Director
Jamie Smith
Director
Michael Crowe
Director