A fantastic time – Kim’s story as volunteer in Kora
We hosted Kim as a long term European Solidarity Corps volunteer in Kora from January to August 2024; she supported our activities with groups in non formal education projects and with environmental sustainability practices on La Buona Terra, where we are based.
The project was funded by the European Commission through the European Solidarity Corps programme and the Italian Agency for Youth.
This is her experience!
Hee!
I’m Kim a 26 year old Dutch women, who in my daily life is a teacher for children with special needs. I grew up in the city in the south of the Netherlands.
Through my work I came into contact with a coach who accompanies a group of short-term volunteers, to La Buona Terra. When they had an open spot, I was given the opportunity to come along. At that moment I fell in love with the farm, the way of life and the people. When I finished my studies I returned to the farm this time as a long term volunteer. Now I came back for 8 months.
Back at the farm I helped to make the farm more sustainable. Think of installing the electricity cable from the solar panels to the other buildings of the farm, building some tiny houses, building an outdoor shower, replenishing the wood supply, harvesting lavender, finishing the dinner area, renovating the ecohouse, and much more.
I learned a lot about water management. In the Netherlands it is mainly about drainage of rainwater and on the farm it is about storage. For example, I dug several drainage paths and connected them to water wells. In addition, I learned a lot about sustainable food and about everything that comes with a youth exchange. During my long term I was able to facilitate a youth exchange that was about the relationship between traditional food and sustainability. The main topic: how to make sustainable but still in faith with the tradition?
In addition, I learned a lot from my fellow volunteers about vegan dishes and good vegan options for animal products.
Back in the Netherlands I’m trying to eat almost completely vegan. I now also try to encourage my environment to make more sustainable choices about food. Unfortunately it is difficult and I notice that several people around me already have a prejudice about vegan food. And are not open to it.
If you have the chance in your life to go on a long term volunteer adventure, do it!
Yes it is sometimes hard work, yes I have also been homesick. But I made friends for life, enjoyed beautiful views of the mountain, met special people, had sleeping places all over the world, had fantastic parties, learned a lot both personally and during work, had nice conversations, but above all had a fantastic time.
Do it! Everything can be arranged, you can quit your job, you can rent out your house and you can pause your studies. It was really more than worth it!