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Fight Poverty and Global Warming

Richmond Vale Academy

4.57 Rating
101 reviews
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Why choose Richmond Vale Academy?

By educating people from St. Vincent and the rest of the world, Richmond Vale Academy aims to build the capacity, knowledge and confidence in its’ students. By achieving personal growth and development, future leaders of St. Vincent and of the world will take action for a more just and more sustainable world.

Richmond Vale Academy trains activists with collective abilities to fight poverty and improve the environment. In the programs at Richmond Vale Academy, we tackle life-important subject matters. That is why we are passionate about what we do. Half of the people on this Earth belong to the less fortunate, meaning that every day is a struggle to find water, food and shelter, get a job, send one's children to school and avoid preventable, yet often fatal, diseases.

1. Climate Activism Program - 6 months.
2. Volunteer Abroad program in Malawi, Zambia or Mozambique - 10 Months.
3. Study and Action program - 18 Months.
4. Marine Conservation program - 3 Months.

Website
richmondvale.org
Founded
2002
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Community Photos

Project Period
Workshop for DAPP DNS Dowa students
A peaceful sunset on our way to cupcake island
Assisting a local farmer with planting and garden setup
Troumaca School
How could a leaf cover two head?
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Jumping
my lovely teacher
Full school
Coral Reef Diving
My Team Graduating
Team Photo
cabbage babies
Teammates
Group picture 3

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Diversity & Inclusion 💙

Non-Discrimination Policy

The policies of Richmond Vale Academy, prohibits any form of unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender, gender identity or gender expression, age, marital status, national origin, mental or physical disability, political belief or affiliation, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination under state law with respect to employment, volunteer participation and the provisions of services.
Non-Discrimination Policy

The policies of Richmond Vale Academy, prohibits any form of unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender, gender identity or gender expression, age, marital status, national origin, mental or physical disability, political belief or affiliation, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination under state law with respect to employment, volunteer participation and the provisions of services.

Impact 🌎

RVA integrates several levels of sustainability in its program: For its students, the curriculum is up to date and focused on the acquisition of technical and organizational skills which are directly applicable to future projects and careers. For its community partners, the technical resources and models are designed to be economical, feasible and scalable by the community itself after the RVA teams are no longer present. For the Environment, all technology and project models are designed to have minimal negative impact, be replicable and scalable with local resources, and fully sustainable by local players.
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RVA Ethical Program Statement:

RVA works from an ethical foundation of social inclusion, participatory decision making and whole team accountability in its climate change efforts at the community level. Community members are engaged as equal team members in problem definition, project design and identification of resources and deployment of tasks.
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Reviews

Abigail
34
Female
United States
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
6 Months Climate Activism in the Caribbean

Amazing internal growth opportunities!!

Apr 27, 2026

I found this program in 2019 while I was searching for peace corp alternatives. I enrolled in the September program and travelled to Zambia for 4 months !!! I had the most beautiful time ! I felt so safe, incredibly well managed, and loved! This gave me lots of time and energy to engage in studies
( inspirational & engaging) and training projects before the big trip! After I completed my first program I loved it so much I stayed with Richmond Vale academy for 3 more years !!! I highly recommend to set aside a few months and take this life changing experience to bring enrichment and purpose to your future!
Beautiful housing *
Incredible free time activities *
Amazing food accommodations *
Mountain + Ocean views*
Amazing instructors*
Diverse cultural experiences+++*

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
Caterpillars 😝
Pros
  • Connectivity
  • Culture
  • Biodiversidad
Cons
  • Way too many friends 😝
  • NA
  • NA
Project Period
Salar
Male
Brazil
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
Volunteer Abroad Program in Malawi, Zambia or Brazil

My Personal Experience at Richmond Vale Academy

Mar 27, 2026

The program was extremely important for both my personal and professional life, as it helped me develop and improve my English communication skills over the course of the 10 months. It also played a key role in helping me define a clearer direction regarding the professional field I want to pursue, while broadening my perspective on life and the world. Living and interacting with people from different countries and realities (different financial situations, cultures, and religions) was incredibly enriching and eye-opening.

It was a truly rewarding experience that I will never forget. The friendships I built and the experiences I lived were deeply transformative for me, shaping not only my career goals but also the way I see and relate to the world around me.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
My advice to new participants in the program is to be open to challenges. not only physical ones, but also those related to living with other people, which I would say are the most difficult parts. So it’s important to be open to meeting new people and interacting with those who are different from you. Learn to be diplomatic and to find solutions through dialogue.

Being open to trying new things is also very important—food, music, culture, and things like that.
Pros
  • A multicultural environment, including language, culture, food, and other aspects.
  • The opportunity to develop your English communication skills, especially if it is not your first language.
  • Self-awareness and an expanded perspective on both personal and professional life.
Cons
  • Lack of alignment between the theoretical phase in the Caribbean and the practical phase on the African continent, particularly when it comes to applying the knowledge from the first phase to the second phase in community work.
Workshop for DAPP DNS Dowa students
Rackeim
21
Male
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
6 Months Climate Activism in the Caribbean

A local’s perspective

Feb 16, 2026

I was introduced to sustainability back in college, as climate change adaptation and mitigation remedies . It was interesting to experience a program that focused on this notion locally. It’s near perfect and, if one goes for the purpose of learning and a tropical escape. You may take away serious practical applications in the areas of agriculture, sustainable life style. My favourite activities were bonding with my teammates, the abundance of nature, and the practical work done in our community.

Pros
  • Secluded environment surrounded by nature
  • The nature based activities offered
Cons
  • Close proximity living with teachers and staff
  • Costly to reach essential services
A peaceful sunset on our way to cupcake island
Tornik
36
Male
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
6 Months Climate Activism in the Caribbean

Learning Climate Action Through Practice and Community Work

Feb 8, 2026

I participated in the Climate Compliance Programme at Richmond Vale Academy for six months, and the experience offered a structured introduction to climate education combined with practical, community-based work in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

The program blends theoretical learning with hands-on activities focused on global warming, climate change, organic farming, waste management, water conservation, and food security. What I appreciated most was the opportunity to apply concepts directly in real-world settings rather than only learning them in a classroom environment. This approach helped me better understand how sustainability challenges and solutions differ depending on local context.

A significant part of the program involved working alongside local communities, particularly supporting home gardens using organic and permaculture-based methods. These activities aimed to improve food security and resilience, especially in rural areas affected by climate-related challenges.

The program also emphasized teamwork and community engagement. Collaborating with people from different backgrounds encouraged communication, cooperation, and leadership skills. Through workshops and school visits, including a presentation on composting at a local secondary school, I gained experience in environmental education and outreach.

Living and working in a small island environment provided valuable cultural exposure. Interacting with local families, understanding daily realities, and participating in recovery efforts after extreme weather events helped contextualize climate issues beyond theory and statistics.

Overall, the Climate Compliance Programme is a solid learning experience for those interested in sustainability, climate adaptation, and community-based solutions. It offers practical exposure, encourages responsibility, and provides insight into how local actions contribute to broader environmental goals. For participants willing to engage actively and adapt to a simple living environment, the program can be a meaningful professional and educational experience.

Assisting a local farmer with planting and garden setup
SV
Carolina
32
Female
Colombia
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
6 Months Climate Activism in the Caribbean

Unique Experience

Jul 8, 2025

My experience at RVA was tough, but it helped me grow personally by pushing me out of my comfort zone. My expectations were very different when I started, but it was wonderful to expand culturally and personally. I met people with incredible ideas, went through challenging experiences that brought out the best in me and left my mark on the island. I returned wiser and more aware. Also, I have a new friends from different parts of the world, I appreciate what I have at home more, and I intend to leave my mark on my country.

What would you improve about this program?
Unfortunately, my team didn't have a plan when we went to the communities. We had to create one on the spot, which was unproductive because we didn't have the opportunity to get to know the community in previous stages. We didn't make a bigger impact because it isn't a project. Additionally, we had to build and execute the project simultaneously without enough school's support.
Pros
  • Multicultural experience
  • Personal growth
  • Outdoor and Indoor activities
Cons
  • Disconnect from the school and local community
  • The food isn't very good
Troumaca School
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Programs

Displaying 1 - 3 of 3

Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Henrik Siemer

Program
6 Months Climate Activism in the Caribbean

Why did you choose this program?

Since I realized the problem of Climate Change I was thinking about what I could do to support the environmental movement. When I heard about the program from a friend, I thought this would be the perfect opportunity. A combination of Climate Activism, physical work, sustainable agriculture and meeting a different culture. The idea of living in a community of people thinking the same way working hand in hand to maintain the campus was really catching me.

What did your program provider (or university) assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

After I send my first E-Mail I got support with different informational documents and personal contact. Every question I had was answered within a short time and I was well informed. I even received a document that made sure the immigration workers in St. Vincent would let me pass. Once I showed them that I was going to join RVA, they understood and even welcomed me to the country.
I only had to organize my own clothing for work, vaccinations and other medicine. Everything else was provided or available.

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

Dont forget to bring one or two pairs of gloves, sunscreen and mosquito spray. Some people were affected by them, but not me. I never used it. And bring a good camera if you can, because you will be surrounded by amazing nature.
You should be okay with living in a bedroom with another person and also bring enough idealism to see the work as a passion and not as.. you know work ^^.

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

After you have been trained in the skills you need for the work at the campus, your week will look normally this way. From Monday to Saturday your day starts with breakfast at 07:00. What happens next depends on whether it is a practical or theoratical program. You will either work in your responsibility area (garden, kitchen, promotion, maintenance,etc.) or do other practical work, if needed. If it is a theory day, you will be part of a morning class, in which a teacher informs you about different topics concerning climate change.
Lunch is at 12:00 and Dinner at 6:00pm. Normally you will be finished with your work around 4 or 5pm and can go to the beach or call home before dinner. After dinner we used to play games or went for a night bath in the sea. Sunday is the day, that you can use however you want. Go to Kingstown, hike the Vulcano or go diving! On sundays breakfast is at 09:00.

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?

My biggest fear was that I could not stand the hot climate, because I obviously never worked in a garden in the tropics. I told myself I just had to try and asked my friend about that. He told me, that everybody had adapted after a few weeks and that was also true for me. After I got tanned, I always enjoyed the sun! There are also some cloudy and rainy days, so you should really not share my concern.

How was the atmosphere among the participants?

Living at the Campus of Richmond Vale Academy is a wonderful experience. Working and living with the same around 50 people the whole day creates deep friendships, that you seldom find at normal schools. Due to the option to choose your responsibility area, you will work with people, that share your interests and enjoy every minute. At RVA everything is selfmade. Nobody, except the local workers, that support the students is really educated in the skills. You learn everything by doing it and that is the secret of RVAs success. Me and my team build a large pig enclosure without knowing anything about it before. Our teacher gave us advise and we just had to be creative. The result was rewarding! On top of that you will meet young people from all around the globe and can exchange your stories and thoughts, which was totally awesome. Now I have a lot of friends in different countries!

Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

Danail Tsvetanov Petrov

Program
6 Months Climate Activism in the Caribbean
Job Title
Climate Compliance Teacher
Danail Tsvetanov Petrov

Education - High School/Secondary special – Forestry and logging. Worked in a managerial role in a parquet company for 6 years. Been a volunteer in Africa for 6 months. Finishing the College for International Co-operation and Development, Winestead Hall, United Kingdom.

What is your favorite travel memory?

The six months in Zambia were amazing and unforgettable for me. There I worked as a volunteer. One of my best moments was when we managed to build a tricycle for a boy who lost his ability to walk 3 years ago. Kennedy again started to go to school, to go to the shop, in the neighborhood, to help his family and to be a normal part of the society. The smile which I saw in his face when he saw the bicycle will remain in my memory forever. The tears of the eyes of his father changed my life forever, and since then I realized that I'm obligated to continue working in development area.

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

My knowledge about Climate Change, poverty, social economical systems, organic farming and eco literacy increases every day since Im working for RVA. My position as a teacher has provided me with the knowledge to work in many different fields, with many different people. I became more flexible and humble.

What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

When the students come back from serving period in Belize or Ecuador and the work in the projects of Humana People to People, they have many different stories. For me, personally the best is always the interaction with the local community - the organic gardens which they built together, the different activities as mobilizing people to clean the village from plastic, the different workshops, the classes for healthy food, tropical diseases, etc.

If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?

I personally am teacher of the Climate Compliance program which is a 6 months. I love this program because it has the perfect mixture of theory lessons which are followed by practical actions in our academy or in the community. Addressing the Climate Change as a global threat for the entire biota is essential and there for the more people who join the better.

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

We are front runners in the education for Climate Change. But more than just studies we are giving practical examples of how to mitigate the carbon footprint. We are almost all year powered by a PV system, we harvest the rain water and use it for our domestic needs and for watering the garden.

We have biogas and biochar production. We produce organic vegetables and our animals are free range. Our students become Climate Change educators and whenever they go in the world they are able to speak about the issue. They are very well prepared to react in our changing world environment.

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?

All the people who are working in the academy are passionate in changing the world or more correctly - to stop polluting our home planet. All of us have common goals and this makes our communication much easier. All of us - principal, promoters, teachers, workers, students - are taking the decision how to run the academy together and this makes our small community very united.