6 Months Climate Activism in the Caribbean

I was part of the Climate Compliance team #13. The reason why life brought me to one of the most beautiful places on earth was how I see it now, faith. My experience in Richmond Vale Academy was full of growth on a personal level. I had the opportunity to discover the best of myself, and it was partly because of the program. More than the numerous hikes, the amazing coral reefs, the stunning sunsets and magical black beaches, the encounter with the local culture was my favorite experience. Vincy people taught me to be happy above all. Their kindness and big hearts will be memories I will cherish all my life and that was a motivation to give my best during my time on the island.

As part of my program, I built together with some other fellow teammates a water reservoir for our organic garden. As responsible of a portion of the schools nutrition by co-running the 3 greenhouses and surrounding areas, I had the opportunity to learn a lot about Permaculture. Personally, this was one of the main reasons for me to enroll on the program, so I was very satisfied with the outcome of it, at the extent that after the island I pursued a Permaculture Design Course and I plan to make it as my way of living in the near future. Additionally to my learning outcomes, I participated on the establishment of a farmers market, initiative that friends from the previous team begun and I continued with the support of other teammates. This was a beautiful experience to bond with the local community, and I am grateful enough to call many of the people I knew there my friends.

I also had the opportunity to know a little bit of the country visiting a nearby island called Bequia. It was part of one of the research tasks of the program and the objective was to learn about eco-tourism.

Living in the school is a challenging experience. You learn how to live in community and to respect each others space, contributing to maintaining things running and working hard. I liked the fact that the learning outcomes are set by yourself. the school is a platform but you are responsible for your knowledge and your ambitions with the program. I think this helped me build character and determination.

Finally, it is a great opportunity to meet amazing people. I made real friends that I still see today despite the time and place difference. Being surrounded by people with similar goals in life show you that theres is so much to do in this world but the only option is doing it together.

As a recommendation to people wanting to follow the program, I would say ask all the questions you need to do before going. Think if what the program offers is really what you are looking for and once you make that decision fully commit to it, enjoy it and give your best. In conclusion, make your time there count.

The time spent at Richmond Vale was magic indeed. I love the way they are heading to self sufficiency,how setting an example can shape the way for others to follow, how they use to involve communities around in their actions and thus spread awareness with thousands of events,visits and conferences they use to organise in there; and last but not least how wonderful nature is in there and do not miss scuba diving and discover the wonderful undersea world as well. Briefly speaking was an eye's openning and very fruitful experience filled with joy and wonderful people that I wouldn't hesitate to have over and over again. Thanks a lot for everything.

During the one(1) month course at the Richmond vale academy. I have learned a lot an organic farming and climate change for example like natural fertilizer their is the banana that get potassium and also natural pesticides like pepper and gallic liquid etc. which good for the use of plant care. so we all live sustainable and make the world a better place, well i must say that i had an amazing experience during may time the Richmond vale academy and urge others to come an experience this interesting program.

I was at Richmond Vale Academy for almost 2 years. (end of 2007 until feb 2009).
That was to say the least, the best experience of my life. When I arrived I came across a academy with people of different nationalities and different languages.
At the beginning I found it very challenging, since the participants themselves managed the academy routines, through common meetings and groups. Tasks were divided and all participants were encouraged to do their part making the whole community work.
I learned a lot with all this methodology, I became a proactive person and I carry this with me today, in the various work positions that I took on.
Something I miss a lot is the inclusive environment with different possibilities for the development of life skills and sharing knowledge and ideas with everyone.

Learning to live in a community was difficult for me, but it was a flow of inspiration, because from the moment we live in a community, we feel part of it, we do everything to make it right. That was my feeling with all the other participants.
My job at the Academy was to promote and recruit new volunteers. I had a coach, called Stina Herberg, who taught me a lot and in a few months I had already enrolled several Brazilians. The skills that Stina taught me I carry with me today.

I visited other countries holding information meetings and engaging more participants, in Panama, Costa Rica, Colombia and various places in Brazil; I believe I contributed a lot to the Academy.

Regarding building maintenance, well-being and living spaces, it was as if it was our own home we took care of, decorated, created, painted, repaired as well as creating a welcoming environment for chats, playing games, studies, holding common meetings and sharing meals.

I often met with the residents, the Chateubelair community, they are friendly and there is a great potential for working with children and adolescents and creating a change within the community.
Finally, Richmond Vale Academy was an excellent opportunity for me to grow as a person, professionally and emotionally. If I could, I would come back to do the program all over again and take coffee at the peak of La Soufriere, once again.

SMALL VIDEO: https://youtu.be/INyiZzkoCaw

I chose this program because it was an opportunity to do something different and to engage in meaningful action. There were a few things that I hoped to gain from my experience at RVA: 1) Clarity. I hoped the program would give me a better picture of how I wanted to move forward both career wise and in everyday life. 2) Inspiration. I wanted to revitalize my passion for environmental stewardship and addressing social problems. 3) Practical skills. I wanted to leave RVA with a handful of new skills that would aid me in living a life that would be more sustainable, more conscientious, and healthier. I can honestly say that RVA helped me to achieve all of these things. I am grateful for my experience at the school and for the opportunity to travel, create new relationships, and to broaden my understanding of the world.

I believe that the community projects and sustainability goals that drive RVA are a positive force in a world that sorely needs effective programs that build people up and take care of our planet. I will say that the program is not perfect; I experienced frustrations as well as doubts over the course of my time at RVA. Ultimately, these are the things that open our minds and help us expand the way that we think and how we deal with challenges. The difficult moments are the ones that make us grow. Richmond Vale Academy gives you these opportunities: to learn more about the climate, poverty, sustainability, and community living; to experience self growth and to have a better understanding of what humans mean for this world we live in; and to DO something about the all of the problems that we see and talk about and think about everyday. I am very glad that I decided to do the Climate Compliance Program at RVA.

Yo, the best team member of the 14th Climate Compliance Team here, also known as Malte.
I'm going to keep this review shorter (in my sense of short), but it will have everything you would want to know.
The 6 months I spent at RVA were unforgettable for me.
Not only did my English and and my ability to understand other people grow immensely, I also got to make so many new friends and it really was life-changing.
Before I went to RVA, I was lost what I should do for my life. While I had many opportunities, I still felt kind of lost.
Being at RVA and having a teammates for 6 months opened my eyes in many way. Being only 17 years old by the time I came there, I was still a child in many ways. I didn't really understand what it meant to work as a team. To work on a big project. To share work and burdens. To communicate and rely on each other.
But through the everyday interactions with my team and the schools teacher, I learned a lot what it meant to be a responsible adult. I know can enjoy life more than every, since I see so many things in my everyday life that I never really appreciated before.
Our team also helped the local community a lot and we created many bonds and friendships with many people. It really made me happy to see that my work was appreciated.
I honestly wish many more young people would go out to some international volunteer project to really experience another side of life. It is an invulnerable experience that everyone should have. It helps them and it helps you.
I am happy I spent those 6 months in St.Vincent. And while some things could have been done better in terms of project preparations, many things were good as they were. In my point of view, my team got to experience how to build up relationships and trust, how to make new projects and encourage others to continue our work.
Thank you Sally, Elliyas, Jesper, Thomas, Else, Stina and all the other local people I met there!
Thank you Calvin, Baha, Mahsa, Lily, Niklas, Dominico and all the other people of the Academy I got to meet!
And thank you Lillith, Saurys, Sara, Casey, Kwakou, Merijn and Sam for letting be a part of this awesome team!
I hope whoever is reading this review could feel the happy memories and feelings I put into this.
Until I visit RVA again!
Malte out *whoosh*

(P.s: People don't be mad at me if I didn't mention you name here! D: This review be around 50% only naming people if I do that!)

RVA provides sustainable projects to communities, using your skills to make a real difference to the communities, learn through immersion in another culture, and have the experience of a lifetime.

This program was a gap year for me to learn and give back to the society. The lifestyle of was very different compared to staying in the urban areas. As a Development Instructor in Richmond Vale Academy has been a life changing experience for me. I left back memories and best friends.

I strongly recommend this program to anyone who wants to expand their understanding of this world and make a difference for someone and especially for you too. Remember All depends on the creativity of the Volunteer.

Had the time of my life...

Beautiful island paradise... the local people where always so friendly.

A lot of potential to improve the island in which I think it needs.

The opportunities are endless to improve the local area.

Education is the way forward with the people.

I have a lot of very fond and prescious memories that I will hold forever! I love the island so much that I'm moving back now.