Richmond Vale Academy, Volunteer Organization in the Caribbean

Africa changed my life. The difference in culture, food, music, living lifestyles and even social practices. The exposure I got still remains some of the fondest memories. Of course, this journey had to start somewhere, and mine started at Richmond Vale with the most diverse team I’ve ever worked with even to this day! My journey started in 2009, but the friendships, skills, knowledge and memories remain with me ever since.

Before I arrived to Mozambique, I always had the idea that I was poor, but in Africa I learned that wealth is not in material things. I have seen families eating from one plate and still invite their neighbors to join them for a meal. I have learned not to be a prisoner of the capitalist world that we are living in. The time that I stayed in Africa is very memorable and it taught me to be a humanitarian.

I spent 6 months of my programme in Ecuador, which was incredibly challenging due to the language barrier and very different life style, but somehow despite all the challenges I made it through and for me that was an incredible achievement. Living and working abroad really shows you the similarities between people and it inspired me to be the best person that I can be

My decision to become a volunteer came after I started learning about climate change and the effects it has on the world, I wanted to start taking action towards the elevation of the effects of climate change. I also wanted to take on a new challenge that would completely take me out of my comfort zone.

During my time at RVA, and also during my volunteer work in Ecuador, I’ve learned and seen many things which opened my eyes. When I actually met the people in the field I’ve realized that the best way to do something for them is to go out there and do things with them and teach them how they can do it by themselves.

I met with a lot of people who became really important to me… they will always be in my heart. The best moment was to create an ecologic playground in Cangonama, Ecuador; it was the best thing I did in my life, not just for the playground itself, but because of the people, the work, the organizing part of it, it made me another person…

I have worked for a sailing organization all my life, doing youth projects. I’d say most of the skills I got from the program were soft skills. I’ve learned how to better deal with people, how to organize my workday, how to communicate with my international coworkers. But most importantly, I’ve gained a different outlook at life. I am going to work part-time soon, because I’ve realized there are other more important things in life.

The most important thing I gained from this program was recognizing opportunities when they come along, as well as knowing how to find them. There is more than one way of doing something. The best way won’t always be obvious and often times you have to pave the way. Real Practical skills through: Gardening, Using a Machete, Speaking Spanish, Organizing events and group actions, harvesting food, travel skills of all kinds.

I learned to become a Gardener in 2 ways – first on the 6 months program making Home Gardens with families using Permaculture design and now as a Coral Reef Gardener with the Coral Reef Restoration project at RVA.
I learned about Global Warming and Climate Change and how it is bad for us and the health of the Earth we live in. I have grown a lot since I joined, thanks to RVA.

I’m working as an engineer in Europe and during my time as a volunteer I got better in my communication skills and English. I think the most important skills I got were how to teamwork with people from very different backgrounds and cultures with tolerance and respect.

The skills I obtained through RVA helped me to be qualified and accepted as a Peace Corps Volunteer in the Agriculture Extension Program in Ghana. Those skills include permaculture garden design, immersing myself into a new culture, working with locals, teamwork, and taking a step back from my life to try and understand and accept new surroundings and people. I believe these skills are pertinent for any kind of future job one may apply for.

Along the programme I immersed more and more into sustainable agriculture. Because of my experience in the Caribbean, I pursued a PDC in France and was able to achieve a job position with the local government of my hometown, where we promoted organic farming and in this way recovering degraded soil.

After I finished school, I had no idea what to do next. Returning from SVG I knew I wanted to do something ecological/environmental, maybe something with renewable energy…So I’m studying environmental engineering and management and I really enjoy it. I gained so many new skills in SVG, there is no way I could list them all, but I think the one with the most impact on my life is planting and farming knowledge.

I’m now more aware of the past, the present and the future and what has to be done so that the world can bloom again. By dealing with situations in the simplest way has taught me, that you don’t have to be angry, but better to allow the reality of the world to sink in. This way we can focus on the main issues and not argue, but rather unite and cooperate to protect our planet – our home.

During the programme, I learned to listen, observe, debate, practice my patience and tolerance. The greatest challenge all the time, getting out of our selves and our egoism to try to do something common with people from completely different points of view, culture, language, etc. I got to know people who just gave the best of themselves at all times!

I have just started an EU programme in Renewable Energy. Richmond Vale gave me a global perspective of many environmental issues, which helped both with my application and the work I’m now doing. It also taught me to work with people from all around the world and to unite over common goals.