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Sólheimar-The Ecovillage | WF417 | 2022-08-22 - 2022-09-04 | AGRI,ENVI,DISA | Age: 18 - 99

 

Worldwide Friends (WF), was founded in 2001 as a non-profit organization promoting nature and peace-oriented activities for volunteers wanting to spend some time in Iceland. Our main theme for this year is to give education about the 17 Sustainable Goals of the United Nations and to clean the whole coastline of Iceland. The main activities that we offer are workcamps, seminars, local events, and exchange programs suitable both for young people and adults. The heart of the Sólheimar ideology is to give all individuals a fair chance and to maximize their potential. By focusing on individuals possibility instead of their limitations, Sólheimar aims to create the space for each resident to take every opportunity that arises for each person to grow and develop. Versatility is the strength of Sólheimar so people with special needs that reside here will always be the center of the community. This works through the idea of reverse integration: those without special needs adapt to the abilities of those who do, they can work together to make their community one of an equal and sustainable one. The foundation of the ideology of Sólheimar derives from the visions and lifework of Sesselja herself.

Work: The main work in this camp will be in forestry called Ölur and also in the greenhouses which are called Sunna. Volunteers will be working in the greenhouses planting and harvesting vegetables, doing weed control and sometimes you will also be gardening. The work might involve work around the property painting or fixing things. During the winter volunteers will also have to help remove snow and keep the walk paths clear for the residents. Working hours are 09.00 to 16.00 with one hour break for lunch and there are some coffee breaks as well. Our work will depend on weather conditions, which is why we must be flexible. You should be prepared for unfriendly weather, as they say: if you don’t like the Icelandic weather, just wait 5 minutes it might change. It is a community where people with or without special needs live and work together. Sólheimar is a pioneer of practicing organic farming. In Sólheimar there is an organically certified greenhouse, forestry, and arboretum. Other environmental-friendly projects in Sólheimar include geothermal energy and recycling.

Accomodation and food: Volunteers will be staying in the house of Worldwide Friends in Sólheimar. The house is across the village and has 4 double rooms with a private bathroom each, a fully equipped kitchen, and common areas. The common areas are shared with some of the local workers. Volunteers need to bring their own sleeping bags, but beds and sheets are provided. Wireless internet access is provided free of charge. Food is included for the duration of the work camp; however, everyone is expected to do their fair share of the cooking and cleaning. We provide a well-balanced and healthy variety of food products that includes a wide variety of whole grains, seasonal fruits & vegetables, pantry staples, dairy products. We try to reduce our carbon footprint on the planet by cutting down our meat intake and we usually encourage volunteers to try more sustainable foods.

Location: Sólheimar Ecovillage

Location and Leisure: Sólheimar, Iceland‘s first and only eco-village, is located in southwest Iceland, 80 kilometres long (50 miles) east of Reykjavík. The area around the house is great for hiking. We will also concentrate on intercultural learning and exchange. Every evening, volunteers from different countries will be in charge of presenting their country of origin and culture in an informal way. It can be a presentation, a game, theatre – the form of introduction is up to you! Therefore, we encourage you to bring along some food, photos, or anything interesting related to your country for a fun and informative evening amongst other volunteers. WF Iceland will organize reasonably-priced weekend excursions to some of the most popular, beautiful areas and natural wonders that Iceland has to offer. Excursions include unique Icelandic sights, such as waterfalls, volcanic and geothermal areas, glaciers, lava forests, hot springs, rhyolite mountain ranges, steam vents, or even icebergs. Golden Circle is Included in the camp fee! This workcamp gives you the opportunity to spend an amazing time in Iceland with other international volunteers and to have an incredible experience where participants share their knowledge with each other while exploring creativity, environmental issues, and intercultural learning.

Train/Bus station: BSI Bus Station

Requirements: Make sure you don t forget warm outdoor work clothes, you will spend most of the time outdoors.

Language: eng

Extra Fee: 400 EUR

The first day of the camp is Arrival Day and the last day of the camp is Departure Day. The minibus will be at the meeting point in Reykjavik on the first day of the workcamp in the morning and arrive again at the Meeting point / BSI station in Reykjavik in the evening on the last day of the workcamp.