Volunteer Program Overview
Plan, plant, prune, water, weed, harvest, educate, and eat. In less than one year, previous volunteers at Community in Action turned a former trash-burning site into a flourishing urban community garden. Learn and teach about tropical urban gardening, medicinal plants, nutrition, and conservation. Work in local schools to start small gardens for students and work in a local favela community garden.
Language Requirements: There is no language requirement
The Need
In many low-income communities, access to fresh and healthy food is inadequate, leading to high rates of obesity, diabetes, and other health issues. Urban community gardens can help mitigate these nutrition problems. Community in Action’s partner gardens provide free vegetables to residents and is the focus of a curriculum that incorporates nutrition, public health, horticulture, and environmental education. It is unique and very rare to find these type of gardens in the favela.
Implementation Details
- Design/Deliver garden-based educational curriculum in local schools
- Network with local community residents and Community in Action staff
- Introduce new gardening techniques to youth in the favela
- Contribute to material costs: seeds, soil, tools, and supplies
Volunteer Feedback
“What I really loved about the experience is how people were so friendly and open in the favela, and most of all, happy! The positive attitude of so many, despite the situation that local residents face on a daily basis, can teach us a lot in life.” – Maria (Greenland)
“My favorite projects were the community garden and teaching English projects. I was actively engaging with people from the community on a daily basis which was amazing!” – Marie (UK)
“I really liked the idea of the urban garden project because we were directly helping people in the community cultive food in an easy way, learn about fresh fruits and vegetables, and empowering residents to take ownership of this initiative.” – Ann (Germany)