Ecological Farming

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Recruiting Organization: Bukit Lawang Trust

Our Ecological Farming programs works in partnership with one of our longest standing project partners 'Erna's Eco Farm'. As an Eco farmer you will maintain an active and diverse Eco farm, whilst facilitating training in best practices under the guidance of 'Ibu Erna' herself.

• Receive 1 - 1 support from one of our recruitment team, from the moment you apply until the moment you arrive.
• Extremely competitive rates on education volunteer placements.
• Receive comprehensive in country training at our Bukit Lawang Hub prior to starting your program.
• Receive valuable Eco farming & Permaculture coaching worth over £1270.
• Experience traditional Sumatran culture and cuisine.
• Live and work on the edge of the Tropical Rainforest.
• Spend your weekends Trekking in the Jungle or visiting the Elephants at nearby Tankahan.
• Receive a professional reference and certificate of completion at the end of your placement.
• Have access to a wide range of teaching materials & equipment.
• Participant and lead a range of 'supporting projects'.

Ecological Farming or more commonly known as Eco-Farming is a way of cultivating agriculture that places an emphasis on both the health of the environment and the health of its consumers. Long before conventional and modern agriculture practices have been put into place, people had farmed in an eco-friendly way. Besides producing healthy and safe-to-consume agriculture products, ecological farming also provides other benefits, such as minimized environmental pollution and contamination through agricultural activities, and maintenance of soil productivity and fertility in the long term. All of which add up to improved sustainable use of natural resources and of the environment.

Volunteers will assist on her own garden, community garden or farm, known as Erna’s EcoFarm, located in the village of Gotong Royong, North Sumatra. The eco-farm is surrounded by rice paddies, agro-forests with mountains in the distance. The eco - farm is a short distance from her homestay and the communal garden within walking distance. Erna started focusing on her land 10 years and with the help of the Ruffort Foundation 4 years ago, was able to develop the farm as organic. The farm is in the initial stages of becoming a productive ecological farm which aims to create a sustainable land management system to encourage economic growth and biodiversity. Erna future plans include working with volunteers and people with knowledge of organic and permaculture farming, to develop school sessions at the farm, to open the farm to the public so thet can learn about the plants, their uses and medicinal properties. Erna is a lovely lady and very passionate about making the farm work for her and the community and to encourage others to follow.

Details

Volunteers will stay at Erna’s homestay, in one of the two beautiful rooms that overlook her garden and mountains. There is no WiFi at the homestay but buying data for your phone is cheap (3gb £3 for 1 month). However there is WiFi at the trust. There is also the possibility of 2 volunteers to sleep at the farm in a simple house for free. However, we ask volunteers to bring, donate or buy electrical equipment, kitchen stuff or furniture for the house to make it more liveable. Breakfast and lunch will provided. Volunteers will work on the farm for around 3 -5 hours a day, then return to the homestay for lunch with Erna and rest. The days are dynamic and work can range from general gardening, taking the animals, such as goats or sheep for a walk, picking fruit, recycling, composting and helping to bring local children to the farm and showing them around. Volunteers will work in collaboration with Erna on what projects she wants working on and work alongside Papa (Erna’s Husband) at the farm who speaks little English, but is extremely friendly and helpful. Volunteers do not have to bring anything, but gardening or growing vegetables books would be helpful. We expect this to be a fun learning experience.

Stipend ProvidedFalse

Training ProvidedFalse

Housing AvailableFalse

Language/Cultral Support AvailableFalse

Wheelchair AccessibleFalse

Fee Required

Fee Amount: 2024.00

This opportunity is recurring