Handyman / Draftsman /

Nigeria

4

Working on the preserve was such a eye opening experience and I am so glad I got to partake in it. In the first day we cut grass which I actually enjoyed the following days we did planting of trees , mixing g compost , picking and cleaning chicken coups etc. I was going to stay longer but I will be honeys the work is hard and it is pretty hot in Panama that I did not know. Other than that I am definitely stronger not just from the work but the yummy food we helped prepare with Greta, that was the best part! The whole family was so accommodating especially since I worked weekends, wifi is great

hace más de 1 año

Kobus respondido

Thank you for the effort and assistance on the project.
You were a great help in taking care of our chickens, watering trees under the hot sun, mowing grass, filling bags for seedling and planting trees.
Much appreciated.

Francia

3

My experience volunteering in the reserve Natural Reserve was overall good. I got to see different animals, eat good food, and most importantly become friends with the other volunteers. However, we all left sooner than expected because of the way Kobus talked to us (condescending and disrespectful). BUT Deon and Gerta were very nice to us! the reserve project is beautiful, and I sincerely applaud your dedication to preserve and nourish the nature in Panama.

hace más de 1 año

Kobus respondido

Thank you for visiting our project.
Zoe arrived on the project and assisted with several tasks that were completely new to her.
Unfortunately, Zoe and another volunteer that were tasked to water trees in an area about 22m wide by 24m long, have left their watering area and returned to the common Kitchen area within about an hour of starting the task. Zoe explained to me that she did not know how to distinguish between wet and dry and could not discuss and could not agree a common boundary between her and the fellow volunteer that was working (watering trees with a hosepipe) about seven meters away from her.
Zoe was offended when I showed her how to bend down and touch the mulch around the trees to confirm that the trees either have received water or not. I also had to explain to her how to walk over to the volunteer seven meters away to communicate and agree who is going to water which sections within the small patch of trees.
Fortunately for us as hosts, 95% of the (plus 134 volunteers, some of which have returned up to four times) volunteers that have visited our project, are able, capable, and willing to not wear headphones, connect with reality and engage with the tasks we perform in restoring the natural environment on the property.
We as hosts, appreciate and respect the constructive effort, the positive attitude and the tangible contribution these volunteers make in creating a better world for all.

Suecia

3

In general, the project's focus on sustainability is admirable. However, there was a discrepancy between what was offered here on Worldpackers, and what was actually offered at the project. An example of this was that we were promised three cooked meals a day, but only got breakfast and lunch which we still had to help cook, as well as do the dishes. Dinner was expected to be made on our own. This wasn't what was agreed upon, and wasn't communicated. The work is hard, and three meals a day felt only fair. There was also a difference in ideology, that created a unwelcoming environment.

hace más de 1 año

Kobus respondido

Thank you Klara.
You joined our project and worked hard at installing internet cables, moving plant bags to reorganize the nursery, preparing fire breaks, and taking care of the laying hens. You were pushing yourself to do more than was expected of you, but ran off after three days and only informed us via WhatsApp that you have left.
After hosting more than 130 volunteers (and listening to all their input), we have seen that preparing food is a time for the volunteers to socialize and contribute in preparing the meals the way they prefer.
Breakfasts are prepared by the volunteers to ensure that everybody is awake and eating breakfast before work starts. We had wasted food when we prepared breakfast and volunteers decided not to have breakfast or wanting pancakes, when we served sunnyside eggs, etc.
Lunches are prepared by Gerda when she is around. You only once assisted in preparing the salad during working hours, before lunch.
At night, with the volunteers preparing their own meals, creates the opportunity for them to watch the sunsets on the beach, or hang out in town, before returning whenever they wish to prepare dinner.
We used to prepare dinner, but had complaints due to closing the kitchen at 19h30.

Australia

3

The overall mission of the project is incredibly powerful and meaningful and to be able to have contributed to the sustainability of a tropical reforestation project was amazing. The challenge for me, was the unexpected additional requirements of the work on a day to day basis. You're required to cook breakfast from 7am-8am, work non-stop from 8am-1pm (I once cut grass for four hours in the sun, with the expectation my water breaks was kept short, not knowing when I was supposed to finish the task). Help with lunch from 1pm-2pm and cook dinner ourselves. Meals on the weekend is not included.

hace más de 1 año

Kobus respondido

Thank you for visiting our project.
Angel arrived on the project and assisted with several tasks that were completely new to her.
She fed and cared for our laying hens, painted a roof, cleared a large area of shrubs and grass to create a fire break, watered trees, filled lots of seedling bags.
Angel approached the tasks with a positive mentality, without complaining in hot, humid conditions. Angel is one of the hardest workers we had on the project in a long time.
Angel could work without supervision and responded proactively when thing went wrong, or equipment broke.
Thanks to Angel, we could complete the most critical part of our fire break to protect the project against fire.
Thank you for your time and effort you have put into your stay.
Greetings,
Gerda, Deon and Kobus

Chile

5

It was very nice to be with such a loving family. The tasks are, for example, watering trees, planting, cutting grass, collecting chicken eggs, everything is very relaxing and rewarding to help them with their project. I hope to see you again soon and taste Gerda's exquisite meals again.

hace más de 1 año

Kobus respondido

Thank you Karla, for visiting our project and assisting with all the tasks on hand in hot and humid conditions.
We appreciated your energy and commitment.
Hope to see you soon.
All the best on your trip.
Kobus, Gerda & Deon

Austria

5

Engaging in my first volunteering experience was truly enjoyable. I gained valuable knowledge about nature, plants, and Panama, and I am definitely planning to return. While the work was challenging, the reward came in the form of delicious and nutritious meals. Thank you for the wonderful time.

hace más de 1 año

Kobus respondido

Thank you for visiting our project and assisting with all the tasks on hand in hot and humid conditions.
We appreciated your energy and wish you could have stayed longer.
All the best on your trip.
Kobus, Gerda & Deon

España

5

I feel happy, lucky and thankfull for my time here and everything I've learnt. Deon, Gerda and Kobus are really good people that make this place, full of nature and life, feels like home. It's been a pleasure getting to know their amazing project and colaborate as a volunteer on it. Besides, I could share it with other great volunteers, Helena, Shany and Trevor and enjoy Santa Catalina! I will remember it with love and will miss the good food, the calm of the surrounding nature, the reconforting work, the nonstop learning, the drives to town and the day to day there. Thank you for everything!

hace más de 1 año

Kobus respondido

Thank you for visiting our project and being so eager to assist with all the tasks on hand in hot and humid conditions.
We appreciate your commitment and wish you could have stayed longer. Much appreciated.
Kobus, Gerda & Deon

Argentina

5

Hello!!! amazing volunteering at the reserve. I was impressed by the awareness and effort that Kobus, Gerda and Deon make every day to try to return their property and the environment to the natural ecosystem it once had. We collaborate in cutting grass, planting trees, feeding chickens, construction...all in an excellent environment of awareness and respect for nature. Trevor, from California, was an excellent fellow Volunteer as well. thanks a lot!

hace más de 1 año

Kobus respondido

Thank you, Daniel.
It was a privilege to have a proactive and motivated volunteer on board.
Much appreciated.

Argentina

5

The stay in Jungle Cabins has been very interesting. I've done things I've never done. In other words, it has been all learning for me. It also helped me a lot to practice English since none of the three people who are here speak Spanish. Thank you Kobus, Gerda and Deon for receiving us and thanks for the food!!

hace más de 1 año

Kobus respondido

Thank you, Vivi.
It was a privilege to have a proactive and motivated volunteer on board.
Much appreciated.

Francia

5

Incredible experience at the jungle cabin close to Santa Catalina and the incredible coiba national park. I definitely recommend this volunteering opportunity to everyone eager to learn new things related to working with your hands / building / gardening / local fauna and flora. Kobus, Gerda & Deon are incredibly commited and very clear with work schedule and expected tasks. Somedays the work can get really physical (depending on your abilities of course) so don't expect to be chilling all the time during your working hours ! But it's'definitely rewarding. Thank you again for everything !

hace más de 1 año

Kobus respondido

Hi Marc.
Thank you, you jumped in and assisted with some difficult tasks while the rain just kept falling for a few days in a row.
Much appreciated.
All the best on the rest of your trip.
Regards
Kobus & team

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