Tzu Chi's Aid in Nepal
Volunteer Training
Written By Ida Eva Zielinska
Published #77 | Summer 2025 Issue
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A key to the sustainability and expansion of all Tzu Chi missions in Nepal is continued volunteer training and the active engagement of local residents in Tzu Chi’s programs. Volunteers from the Tzu Chi International Medical Association (TIMA) and broader Tzu Chi community are working diligently to cultivate this foundation.
In August 2022, TIMA held a Community Health Workshop in preparation for Tzu Chi’s first free clinic outreach in Lumbini later that November. Following the outreach, Tzu Chi volunteers became increasingly proactive in designing a blueprint for healthy communities and recognized the need for further local training.
In response, a second workshop was organized in February 2023 and attended by 27 Nepali participants. During the course, students practiced using basic health tools such as blood pressure monitors, and height and weight scales. They also learned about the connections between disease, lifestyle, and nutrition, and the importance of hygiene and preventative care.
TIMA plans to continue offering courses to build local capacity in health care. “We hope to establish workshops to cultivate local volunteers to guard the health of villagers and to protect lives,” said Dr. Chingchen Hua. “After completing the training, those trainees can go to the countryside to perform community health check-ups and health education, which can help prevent diseases.”
General volunteer training and participation are also steadily expanding in Lumbini. Even before formal training programs were introduced, Nepali community volunteers were learning through experience by taking part in Tzu Chi activities. For example, some joined Tzu Chi’s winter clothing distributions across 12 schools in February 2023, a meaningful contribution in a region where many families cannot afford proper winter wear, and children often miss school during the coldest months.
Tzu Chi held its first volunteer training course at Lumbini Buddhist University in April 2023. By June, more than 100 community members had participated in aid activities, with 44 formally trained through sessions introducing Tzu Chi’s core missions, Buddhist values, and humanistic approach to service.
Building on that foundation, a second training followed in July, this time with education as a central theme. Members of the Tzu Chi Nepal Teachers Association shared their experiences, and small group discussions gave participants a chance to reflect on why education is so critical in Nepal and how Tzu Chi’s efforts can help strengthen the school system.
Through ongoing volunteer training, Tzu Chi is cultivating a dedicated local force in Nepal committed to compassionate service, empowering communities to actively contribute to long-term change.
