A connection to the earth that is absent in rigid societies. I wanted a meaningful purpose during my time on this planet, so I applied to Richmond Vale Academy. A unique school focused on regenerative, symbiotic, and regenerative relationships with nature.
Imagine flying to the stunning Caribbean island of Saint Vincent, where the isolated school sits nestled between flowing rivers, lush jungle, and a towering above you the active Volcano, La Soufriere. Where you will find jurassic looking wildlife, explore the exotic fruit forests, climb the many waterfalls and dive the magical reefs.
Volunteers from around the world gather here to share their passion for the environment, to learn from one another, and to engage with local communities. The Academy thrives through the dedication of its teachers and students, fostering lifelong friendships and borderless networking opportunities.
Personally, I never expected to relocate my life to Saint Vincent to peruse conservation, but 7 years, 3 rescue dogs and many grey hairs later, I am still as much enchanted by this wild island and way of life, as I was when I first arrived.
At the Academy, you’ll learn how the Earth is a living system interconnected with our well-being. Through Permaculture, you’ll discover sustainable practices for organic food production, energy, water management, housing, education, conservation and restoration.
Permaculture also highlights the importance of designing unharmful agricultural systems that protects the environment, whilst fostering the communal resilience needed in order to combat increasing economic and environmental instability.
Whether you’re finishing your studies and looking for new opportunities, or whether you’re retired and in search for a new adventure. Expect to be pushed outside your comfort zone, expect hard but extremely rewarding work, expect build the confidence needed to manage individual and team projects, expect to develop new skills in all areas of life. You may even learn to cook, If that is a skill you are yet to acquire.
It’s impossible to illustrate to you just how special Richmond Vale is, it’s something you have to experience for yourself. The way the golden clouds pour into the volcano as the sun rises in the morning, the feeling of walking barefoot through the garden surrounded by all the plants and vegetables that you cared for and grew. The feeling of seeing the sky lit up by the Milky Way for the very first time in your life, the feeling of picking your first mango, off of a real mango tree, cracking your first coconut, enduring your first Jellyfish sting, swinging your first machete, building your first shelter.
Unfortunately this is a path not many have the privilege of finding in their lifetimes. Unfortunately a life that only comes with true freedom.
Tori Woodward, UK