6 Months Climate Activism in the Caribbean

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.

It was my first time travelling so far from my country aways from my family but I was very excited to learn about organic farming so I decide to join the climate activisms six months program at RVA. I had read about the course and had lots of information about it so I was prepared. As I arrived St. Vincent and the Grenadines I knew it was going to be better than I imagined. From the moment I entered the airport I felt the love from Vincentian people who are so welcoming, friendly, and always happy.
At RVA my first impression was a little scary since it took me out of my comfort zone. Sharing room was not on my plans but I managed ok with my roommate and ended up being good friends. The installations are welcoming and even though they are not luxiorius they are quite comfortable.
When I started the course it was all new, the method of teaching and the responsibilities everyone needed to take were really new to me. There was so much to be done and the days were short compared to the amount of tasks we had.
I enjoyed the first three months at the school because our team was very diverse and we were always helping each other. The climate was warm and the beach was only 10 minutes walking. I enjoyed the fruit trees and the shade of the fruit forest all the time. At the school we learned and prepared for our second phase which was in the communities.
My time in the community was great! The first six weeks we taught at the schools and the remaining of the time we helped locals building their own organic backyard gardens. It was challenging and I won't say it was always easy but these challenges took the best out of us. Our team did good and we managed to accomplish and surpass our goals.
I would really recommend anyone to join the six months climate activism course since it really helped me and taught me good values.

I volunteered in the climate activism program and during the 6 months I acquired theoretical and practical knowledge about climate change and its impact on the vulnerable communities. I learned and worked with ecological agriculture and permaculture principles, renewable energy and other solutions. In addition to gaining skills such as using tools and improving my English, the experience allowed me to develop teamwork, integration with teammates and local people - with different cultures and backgrounds, practicing adaptability, problem-solving and collaborative thinking. Certainly personal and professional gains!