SAHAYATRI NEPAL Code of Conduct

The SAHAYATRI NEPAL Code of Conduct is a product of many years of field experience and has been instituted for practical, cultural, and safety reasons. Professionalism and cultural sensativity is essential to the nature and effectiveness of our work in-country. We expect our volunteers to represent SAHAYATRI NEPAL by adhering to certain policies. Any violation of these policies may result in disciplinary action or termination from the SAHAYATRI program. This list is not all-inclusive. Each situation is handled on a case-by-case basis.

The following are prohibited:

  • Intentional, negligent, or careless acts that endanger the life of oneself or another individual
  • Engaging in any act of violence including verbal threats, physical assault, or damage to property
  • Dishonesty, falsification or misrepresentation
  • Any act of harassment (i.e. inappropriate touching, threatening language or gestures, etc.)
  • Refusal to obey authority such as Country Coordinator
  • Unexcused or excessive absence or tardiness
  • Failure to immediately report an accident or safety incident to SAHAYATRI coordinators

    • Alcohol

    SAHAYATRI NEPAL volunteers/interns are not to ingest alcoholic beverages, including wine, beer, whiskey, and other spirits for the entire duration of their in-country experience. Alcohol consumption adds additional safety hazards and is a rule during the work week and well as on the weekends.

    Drugs & Tobacco

    SAHAYATRI NEPAL volunteers/interns are not to use any form of illegal drugs whatsoever, nor are they to participate in any transaction involving the sale or transfer of illegal drugs for the duration of their in-country experience. Participants are also not to use any form of tobacco.

    Pornography

    SAHAYATRI NEPAL volunteers/interns are forbidden from possessing or viewing pornographic material of any nature during their experience.

    Language

    SAHAYATRI NEPALl volunteers/interns are expected to maintain appropriate standards of conversation, refraining from swearing, vulgarity, sexually explicit conversation, and any other language that could be deemed offensive for the duration of their in-country experience.

    Dating/Sexual Relationships

    Unmarried SAHAYATRI NEPAL volunteers/interns are to refrain from all conduct of a romantic or sexual nature. SAHAYATRI volunteers are not to participate in any form of dating whatsoever. This policy applies to relationships with other SAHAYATRI volunteers as well as citizens of the host country. Dating practices vary dramatically between cultures. As a matter of respect and safety, SAHAYATRI volunteers are expected to maintain appropriate, friendly, and courteous relationships with fellow volunteers and others without flirting, dating, or overt public displays of affection. Married participants will be breifed on the appropriate male and female relationships in their country and will need to follow cultural standards while on projects and in the field.

    Dress & Grooming

    SAHAYATRI NEPALparticipants are expected to dress conservatively, present a professional, businesslike image and keep themselves clean and well groomed. It is within the discretion of the Country Coordinator(s) to determine whether or not a volunteer’s dress and grooming are appropriate. A volunteer may be asked to go home and change if their dress is not appropriate. Country Coordinator(s) may have additional suggestions to follow. Please be considerate of your team, your partners, and the local community in choosing how you dress. The following minimum guidelines are not all-inclusive:

  • Clothing should be conservative in fit and style
  • Clothing should be in good condition without holes or tears
  • Clothing should not display profane language, drug or alcohol paraphernalia, or pornography
  • Shirts should cover the entire torso
  • Tank tops and midriff shirts are not acceptable outside of the living quarters
  • Short shorts are not acceptable outside of the living quarters. All shorts and skirts must go to the knee
  • Shoes must be worn at all times
  • Excessive body piercings should not be visible
  • Hair (including facial hair) should be clean, combed, and neatly trimmed