Kim

I’m Kim, a 26-year-old Dutch woman. In my daily life, I work as a teacher for children with special needs. I grew up in a city in the southern Netherlands.

Through my job, I came into contact with a coach who accompanies a group of short-term volunteers to La Buona Terra. When there was an open spot, I was given the opportunity to join them. At that moment, I fell in love with the farm, its way of life, and the people there. After finishing my studies, I returned to the farm, this time as a long-term volunteer, and I’m back for eight months now.

During my time at the farm, I helped make it more sustainable. This included tasks like installing the electrical cable from the solar panels to other buildings, building tiny houses, constructing an outdoor shower, replenishing the wood supply, harvesting lavender, finishing the dinner area, renovating the eco-house, and much more.

I learned a lot about water management. In the Netherlands, the focus is mainly on draining rainwater, while at the farm, it’s about storage. For instance, I dug several drainage paths and connected them to water wells. Additionally, I gained knowledge about sustainable food and everything related to youth exchanges. During my long-term stay, I facilitated a youth exchange focused on the relationship between traditional food and sustainability, with the main question being: how can we maintain traditions while being sustainable? I also learned a lot from my fellow volunteers about vegan dishes and good vegan alternatives to animal products.

Back in the Netherlands, I’m trying to eat almost completely vegan and encourage those around me to make more sustainable food choices. Unfortunately, it can be challenging, as many people have preconceived notions about vegan food and are not open to trying it.

If you ever have the chance to go on a long-term volunteer adventure, do it! Yes, it can be hard work, and I’ve experienced homesickness. But I made lifelong friends, enjoyed stunning mountain views, met extraordinary people, slept in various places around the world, celebrated fantastic parties, and learned so much both personally and professionally. Most importantly, I had an incredible time.