We started in August 2023 – we have less than a month left, then the first ones leave and tell about their experiences here. The team has grown together and it become even harder to say goodbye.
A brief look back at what we have achieved and learned:
The first month allowed us to dive into the problem of climate change with a lot of theory, presentations and study tasks. There were weekly documentary nights where everyone could get a very personal impression of a topic. We have also completed our first investigation into topics such as agriculture, deforestation or sustainable energy.
The first time we really worked together was in the second month, in which we built together as a team the first beds of the farm field, as well as a compost shed and some stands for the seedlings. First, a large part of the field had to be cleared, because the old scaffold was completely destroyed after the volcanic eruption.
So here we had to learn how to use any tool, e.g. a machete. In time for the next period the project could be completed.
Even though it cost us a lot of sweat and tears, it was ultimately essential to be able to work well together in the coming period.
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For the next two months, we had to pack our bags and go to the communities. Our team was divided into three locations. One group was in Barriouallie, while the other group was divided into Chateaubelair and Petit Bordel. Together we were able to install several gardens and many other projects, such as fences, rain barrels, etc. We also got to host workshops and seminars to share the gained knowledge!
We spent our 5th month conducting major investigations in order to develop the basis for possible new projects in the future. These were topics such as poverty, economic growth or the health care system for which we were able to see the other side of the island and did surveys in Georgetown.
Next up is an investigation on Union Island, through which we get the chance to get to know and discover other places besides RVA.
Now we start our last month full of knowledge, which we want to share in the “Final Product”. This one looks different for each of us, and we look forward to all the creative ideas that will be developed this month.
Rebecca, August team, Germany.