Stories

 

ONE VOLCANO, ONE VOICE: THE STORY OF LA SOUFRIÈRE

From the grounds of Richmond Vale Academy, the view of La Soufrière is impossible to ignore. Rising quietly above the northern landscape of St. Vincent, she seems calm most days, almost contemplative. For those who live and study here as part of the six-month Climate Compliance program, that view becomes part of daily life, a... READ MORE

My first impression landing in Malawi, Africa

Entering Malawi was as smooth as it possibly could have been, made easy by the immense support from HUMANA and DAPP Malawi. Traveling as a group made the journey even more meaningful, as those shared moments quickly became memories for a lifetime. With all the information provided by Richmond Vale Academy, obtaining our visas upon... READ MORE

Dare, take risks, and believe in yourself – you will be rewarded!

I had the opportunity to visit schools in the North Leeward area of St. Vincent to raise awareness among children and young people about Climate Change. We all know that Global Warming and Climate Change affect small island. Nations severely, so it is important that the also the next generation knows about this and about... READ MORE

Education – the road towards development…. how does it look in Malawi?

As we all know, education is foundational for all development – whether it is educating all people to read and write or to train carpenters, farmers and teachers.  Classrooms not only lack electricity, but many classrooms are without chairs and desks. During the cold months in Malawi, the temperature can drop drastically. Schools and classrooms... READ MORE

Into the Forest we go, to lose our minds and find our souls

So, the first month, filled with presentations, group tasks, and documentaries have given us a solid foundation — all neatly stacked like the lasagna beds Giorgia taught us about.  But out here, theory steps aside and the practical learning begins. The proof isn’t in the pudding after all… it’s in your blood, sweat and tears,... READ MORE

Behind Google Slides and Quiet Corridors

On those rare days when the timetable loosens its grip and adventure calls, we scatter like marbles. Some into sea sand and sunlight, some into stillness and others into tasks that quietly hold the Academy together. This is when the adventurers, having formed a squad, will find one another waiting at the main entrance to... READ MORE

Building Resilience Through Action

Arriving recently on Union Island, I’ve started to see firsthand what it means to build climate resilience in vulnerable communities. As the newest participant from Richmond Vale Academy (RVA), I’ve joined a committed team continuing the work of those who came before us, working side by side with local families to grow food, share knowledge,... READ MORE

Living in the Community

“Living in the Community” is a 2-months period for RVA’s Climate Compliance students and a highlight. The group has completed two months of theoretical and practical training about climate change, organic farming, permaculture and all the connections and links between them, it is finally time to discover about living on the island, how are the... READ MORE

Football in Malawi: More Than Just a Game

Here comes Mathias Wold, from Norway, Development Instructor at Richmond Vale Academy, volunteering with the October team 2024 in Malawi.  As a Development Instructor for Humana People to People, I underwent training at Richmond Vale Academy in St. Vincent, where I learned how to combat poverty and work alongside those in need. I was assigned... READ MORE

Finding the uniqueness and the beauty in the basic life

Hey, my name is Kira, I’m from Germany, and currently I am living in Saint Vincent – trying my best to become as Vincy as possible. In November I joined the Climate Compliance Program of RVA, where we were able to learn a lot about Climate Change, Agriculture, and of course and essentially about St.... READ MORE

Hi, I am Dexter from Rose Hall in St Vincent

I am a project officer in training at the Richmond Vale Academy in St. Vincent. I am in the process of establishing 10 Smart Farming Ecological Gardens together with the community in Rose Hall, one of the highest elevation villages on St. Vincent. Why? For me, it is about personal development. This is an opportunity... READ MORE

US urban farmer draws inspiration from SVG

This article was originally posted in iwnsvg.com   A US Marine veteran who turned to urban farming as he recovered from a debilitating accident has found inspiration in St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG). Steve Archer II spent a number of days in SVG this month, during which he visited some artisans and Richmond Vale... READ MORE