Experience life on a permaculture farm in an indigenous community

United States

5

Kawai permaculture was a great learning experience. Even as a volunteer I felt I was able to learn about the sustainable practices that Simon and Jessica employ on the farm. The tasks were diverse, sometimes it was more physical gardening and other times it was childcare with Tama. Simon was responsive to what you wanted to do, so it felt like there was a lot of choice depending on your own interests. The hours were respected and we had three delicious and healthy meals everyday. Overall, it was a pleasure to work on the farm and with the other volunteers!

over 1 year ago

Germany

5

The place is wonderful. I felt so welcomed and enjoyed my stay so much, that I expanded it. Jessica and Simon are super friendly and it is fun to stay there. Especially the board game culture there is amazing. I loved it. We volunteers cooked and it was delicious, especially because there are a lot of resources we could use and be creative. The Projects on Simon's Farm are varied and so also the tasks I did, which was very good. The Farm is a super nice and quite place where you can enjoy your time.

over 1 year ago

Italy

5

I had a great time with Simon and Jessica. They are truly consistent with the work at the farm and available for the volunteers. The schedules were always respected, such as the shifts and the breaks mid-morning. Simon provides you with a lot of extra materials if you're particularly interested in permaculture or specific aspects of it, during the permaculture course and even outside of those hours. The food was always fresh and healthy. The afternoons were free time to enjoy the place and the close town, having the chance to interact with the locals, as well as the free days.

over 1 year ago

Germany

5

I had the best time in Mizque at Simon's and Jessica's place and it was definitely an experience that I would not like to miss. They have the most beautiful and magical place close to town, give a lot of space during non-working hours so you can explore the places around as well as Mizque itself, they provide support in everything you need and you can talk to them about everything. Enjoyed the best food as well and learned so much about permaculture which inspired me to dive more into it. Thanks Simon and Jessica, I would always love to come back!

over 1 year ago

Spain

5

I had an amazing time at the Center. Over the month I spent here, I learnt an innumerable amount of skills, and every day was full of exciting activities and lots of laughs. Simon and Jessica are a joy to spend time with. Anyone coming to this project can expect a good balance of work and relaxation, access to amazing places such as some majestic waterfalls, and the opportunity to spend time in Mizque for some cultural exploration. Simon will go out of his way to provide learning opportunities, and I strongly recommend trying his holistic living course. Overall, a 10/10 experience!

over 1 year ago

Canada

4

Simon and Jessica are really generous people! They welcomed me in their home, and in their family with open arms. They provide a great learning experience, and are always very patient with their volunteers. They respect the working hours and provide amazing, fresh and healthy ingredients to cook. I would definitely recommend this experience, for anyone looking to learn more about sustainability and eco friendly agriculture!

over 1 year ago

United Kingdom

4

Simon and Jessica have built a permaculture farm from the ground up and it's incredible to see how far they've come. You interact with the locals and the community and so get a very Bolivian experience. Simon's beliefs are definitely outside of mainstream political discourse, which makes for interesting conversations if you're happy to engage. It's important to note Simon has traditional views of gender orientation and roles, women's capabilities and responsibilities. There are some challenges to face here, but if you love permaculture, animals and cooking, it's a lovely place to be.

over 1 year ago

Simon replied

Georgie was the only volunteer here and the expectation was for her to help largely with chores and cooking due to what was going on with the home birth. She was also assigned physical tasks which she did well.

There are many tasks that I do on the farm that are heavy work even for me. As such I don't assign them to those for which it would be a struggle irrespective of sex. That does mean that I normally leave the head work for house maintenance to my partner as I am otherwise fully engaged.

While Georgie was here I helped deliver the baby and took my turn cleaning and cooking like everyone else. That is hardly of a strict tradionalist.

This is the second review Georgie has left around gender belief differences. I suggest she participates in such conversations versus remaining silent and publicly judging via review afterwards. Who knows... perhaps we would learn something too!

Mexico

5

The volunteering was really great, I met wonderful people, I learned a lot and had fun. The food was great. They respect the work hours. The only thing is that I think the announcement has to be more clear, this is because this is a permaculture course, and with that comes all the classes and things they offer in the profile, but it has a cost (195 USD). So if you don't pay for the course you don't get the yoga classes and the other knowledge and information that appears in here. You can say no to the course, and only work as volunteer, but u have to pay $100 Bolivians per week for the food

over 1 year ago

Simon replied

All of this information is made clear to applicants and is on the displayed information for volunteer roles. Course participants get to enjoy a full week of learning permaculture, including pizza night in a rocket oven, a yoga class, back massage techniques, applied kineseology and a whole lot more. Course participants also dont have to contribure for food supplement on volunteer weeks allowing them to practice what they learned.

We greatly appreciate attendees as they allow us to teach our passion which is permaculture and help make what we do sustainable! Thank you again for your time with us Natalia. All the best.

United Kingdom

5

Jessica and Simon made me and my boyfriend Kez feel so so welcome during our three week stay. We took the course which was really informative and interesting - including both theory and practical. A typical morning (when it's hot weather) is waking up at 6am to feed the animals and then maybe doing some weeding or gardening before breakfast. The food provided is excellent quality and healthy! We then continue work until 11am. Hours are respected, breaks are given and support is continuously given throughout. We also really enjoyed our yoga class with Jess! Thank you both again!

almost 2 years ago

United Kingdom

5

Simon & Jessica were the most amazing hosts during our 3 week stay at their permaculture farm. Each day offered us a chance to learn something new, from tending to the animals (ducks, chickens, rabbits and dogs) to learning about construction. It was a real opportunity for us to step out of our comfort zone and put in some real hard work! The 1 week course also offered an even deeper understanding of permaculture life, going into detail on subjects such as water management, creating an instant garden, holistic medicine and so much more. Thank you again Simon & Jessica for everything!

almost 2 years ago

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