Changed my view on the world and the trajectory of my life

I'd highly recommend the program to anyone interested in learning more about the climate, world politics, permaculture, sustainability, volunteering. I believe this program is a chance to learn so many things which could alter your course of life. In my opinion this program is more about learning and growing personally rather than helping the local communities even though you do have a period where you go and do things which may influence someone else's life. But don't think it is not worth it or that it's some kind of voluntourism - it most definitely isn't. It is very highly concentrated program which firstly teaches you so many things which you later pass on to others. The learning part is very important as it puts many things into perspective which in the beginning may not be thought about (by the volunteer) - approach and understanding of your position is crucial to making an impact. The progress is slow but consistent which makes it way better than something that looks good at the moment but does not make a lasting impact. Some key points:
1. You work a lot. 6 days a week, sunday is off but you do get some holidays to travel around (it's really enough to even see visit neighboring islands and countries). The program is very structured and you have many responsibilities which are necesary to make the whole thing work.
2.You have a really good time. Besides work you have a wonderful community and endless opportunities to enjoy your time there. The place is magical - I've traveled the world quite a lot but St Vincent is a pure gem. Richmond Vale Academy is an example to others where you will be living at and supporting with your work - you'll learn by doing and if you have the right mindset then you'll enjoy every moment.
3.Manage your expectations - the impact you will make on the local community may be big but also may be small - you are not here to save the world, you are here to continue the work that's probably been started by someone else and to lead by example - your support may be influential if you have the right attitude and understand your role in the program.
4.Don't rush things and learn. There is a very big need for action in the beginning when you start the program and are ready to give everything you have to offer to help the others. However, without completing your training you will not be able to be a real help as you are not familiar neither with the problems nor the culture - don't try to be a saviour (they will teach you about that).

My life 5years after the program: the knowledge I've gained has changed (or rather formed) my path of life. I never came back to the corporate work (wanted to escape the system of control), moved out of the capital city to a small village, built my own house (they do teach you that you can do everything by yourself - you just need to start and keep going), I'm as happy as I've ever been. I was there with 5 other friends from my country (and we were a group of 20-30ish in total, many young guys from Germany as well taking a gap year) and ALL 5 of us are going for the same - living with nature, out of the city, healthy, sustainably. I know others were impacted as well, many chose life path which somehow connects to helping others (though I cannot comment more as I met only a few of then after the program). The program does mess your head a little bit and does show you the cruel reality of the world and the possible future looking at the current course of our world politics. But having this knowledge helps you to make informed decisions on your life (though sometimes it gets really depressing to think about the horrors of the world). It's like taking the pill which shows you the real world, not the matrix.