6 Months Climate Activism in the Caribbean

I started the program in February 2022, one year after the volcano erupted. So I was in one of the first teams to not only run a program, but also help recovering the Academy from still visible damage. Right from the beginning I felt very welcome, and during my time I got to meet so many nice people from all over the world. Everybody was very motivated to give their best in order to work, learn, teach and also have plenty of fun.
The program made me grow as a person, helped me to deal difficulties situations of any kind. Even though we had quite some troubles due to different reasons, I would still recommend the program to everybody who likes to go on an adventure, wanting to make a change, meet new people and who is open to new ideas.

In my experience at RVA I went through a lot of personal changes. My experience made me learn a lot of patience and it also taught me a lot about leadership skills. I also feel much more welcome in places with people from other countries. The staff at RVA are very cool and they also made me change my mindset - I did not want to be a teacher, but now I do!
Part of our team, 6 people, went out into the community of Bagga, where we had to build home gardens in both Layou and Bagga. We were divided into threes and I was placed into the Layou group. We all worked together to start one garden in Bagga so that everyone knew what to do, then my group of 3 started our garden in Layou (where we was assigned). We competed 3 gardens in Layou and four in Bagga.

After a 2-month period of learning at the Richmond Vale Academy, me and my team moved into a small village. We gave workshops in schools about climate change as well as built home gardens with the locals. From talking with the locals to gathering bamboo in the jungle. From designing worksheets for 4th year students to fencing a banana field. From organizing a summer camp for teenagers to figuring out why the toilet doesn't flush anymore. You really do everything, growing every single day... With every day there was a new challenge awaiting. The program is certainly not for everyone but if you are looking for a challenge and want to get into something completely new then the 6-month climate activist program is for you.

I took the course Climate Compliance Conference in RVA in 2012. For me, it was an amazing experience. I lernt many things about Climate Change and Global Warming. I met a lot of people around the world.
Everything you learn you put into practice all the time and you have a lot of contact with people in the communities, where you can develop a lot of projects.
RVA is located in a wonderful and pacefull place and, the people in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines are very friendly and happy.
If you ask me, I would return to RVA if I had the opportunity.

I arrived at RVA carrying only two backpacks and with no knowledge of the English language. The challenge of learning English while participating in the Climate Program was daunting, yet it uniquely positioned me to forge deep connections with the communities in St. Vincent.

During our visits to local schools to conduct workshops, I seized the opportunity to practice my English with the children. This interaction created a wonderfully engaging environment that was beneficial for both my language skills and our educational objectives.

This is a one of a kind place, and I strongly recommend persons to apply. Its a great get away from home with amazing people from different places and cultures. It challenges you in a good way with the end result giving you a feeling of accomplishment making you want more. As time goes on you are subconsciously forced to learn life changing scenarios which will create a new person within you. I had a great time at RVA and if i were to do it again i would, my only regret is that this experience didn't last forever.

On my team "Teamwork made the dreamwork" which means we shared and respected each other's opinions. On my team we spoke different languages but we understood each other. I learned about Global warming Climate change and I learned about organic farming. We visited different part of islands - we went to Union island which was my first going there. We went to make an investigation about water security because they dont have any rivers in Union so they rely on rain water collection. The island is very beautiful and we had a very good time.
My group made about 22 organic gardens with families in Rose hall and I learned how to line out the garden beds, cut bamboo, make seedlings and lasagne beds and compost. We got to vegetables grow in the beds and the family were happy. At my new living place I will make a garden using all my experiences and I teach other Vincentians in how to make a garden.

My experience in RVA was fantastic, learning many things about our planet and climate change, it was very emotional since many times we do not know everything exactly but they teach us to see things in a different way and now I have a more open mind thanks to the teachings of RVA
For new participants it is a fantastic choice, the beautiful beaches, the beautiful facilities with a beautiful view and what you learn and are taught in RVA the best, the contact with the people of the communities is unforgettable.