Help build our family home and learn about eco construction and organic farming in Calibishie, Dominica

Availability

  2024 

 Min stay requested: at least 2 weeks

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Details

  • Description

    Description

    We are Edwina, Justin, Towser (4) and Tristan (21 months) (plus two dogs Impi and Assagai). We are half South African half British and moved to Dominica shortly after Hurricane Maria devastated it as Justin was working for an NGO. We fell in love and stayed and in 2022 bought land. Building work has begun and we are also creating our farm on ur 1.76 acre piece of land in the heights of Calibishie - beautiful farmland on the edge of the jungle.

    We hope to bring earthbag building (cheap, good for the environment, earthquake and hurricane resistant) to the Caribbean! We have decades of experience in construction in Africa, Europe and the Caribbean. Come learn and enjoy beautiful and wild northern Dominica and we can show you the secrets tourists don't get to see.

    We keep bees and catch them, we build with earth and rock, fish rivers & sea and grow 'tings in this lush volcanic, rugged beautiful land!

  • Types of help and learning opportunities

    Types of help and learning opportunities

    Help with Eco Projects
    Teaching
    Gardening
    DIY and building projects
    Farmstay help
    Babysitting and creative play
    Creating/ Cooking family meals
    Help around the house
    General Maintenance
  • Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    During your stay you will be able to learn alternative ecological construction techniques. You may also learn how to install a solar PV system (4.8kw).

    Justin has worked in construction for over 20 years, is most qualified as a plumber and is very hands on with building our earthbag home so you will learn about whatever stage of construction we are at on the project at the time, depending on the duration of your stay. You can learn natural beekeeping too.

    Any French person who wants to work on their English, Edwina can help and can also play guitar a little so happy to play with others.

    Our sons will challenge you with their energy - you will watch our children learn and we will all have fun together I hope!

    The island is home to some of the best hikes in the world, the second largest boiling lake on the planet, 9 active volcanos, 365 rivers, tons of waterfalls, unique sulphur baths, and year round whale watching . Finding adventure and connecting with nature won’t be an issue and we can sometimes take you on adventures as we often need to take a break!

  • Projects involving children

    Projects involving children

    This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.

  • Help

    Help

    Kids care/ entertainment and home help
    Construction (plastering/rendering skills) particularly desired due to installation of an earthen floor.

  • Languages

    Languages spoken
    English: Fluent
    French: Intermediate
    Spanish: Beginner
    Italian: Beginner
    Portuguese: Beginner

    This host offers a language exchange
    This host has indicated that they are interested in sharing their own language or learning a new language.
    You can contact them directly for more information.

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation

    Huge double bedroom with epic sea views (inclufing whale spotting). We are within 2 minutes walk of an ATM and shops and 15 mins walk or a short bus ride of the best beaches in Dominica!! There is a bathroom with cold water shower and two toilets. There is WiFi on the veranda but it doesn't reach the big room. See two photos on profile header with the view from the bedroom. We (will) have a light breakfast and light lunch and a larger dinner will be provided when you're home or on the building site. The other bedroom looks over the garden but you can still enjoy the views from the veranda

  • What else ...

    What else ...

    Calibishie is the most popular tourist destination on the island for a reason - the beaches, amazing community and convenience of shops and restaurant. You can get around the island easily as hitxh hiking or on buses to visit further away attractions (we can guide you).

  • A little more information

    A little more information

    • Internet access

    • Limited internet access

      Limited internet access

    • We have pets

    • We are smokers

    • Can host families

  • Can host digital nomads

    Can host digital nomads

    We have wifi in most of the house

  • How many Workawayers can stay?

    How many Workawayers can stay?

    More than two

  • ...

    Hours expected

    25h a week

Host ref number: 526415714679

Feedback (5)



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Feedback

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Accuracy of profile:
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Cultural exchange:
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Communication:
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