Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
24 Apr 2024
Reply rate
98.7 %
Usually responds within 3 days
Feedback
11
ID verified
Email verified
Host offers payment
Badges (3)
Details
Description
The Mangos Know farm is a fledgling tropical permaculture farm on 10 acres of undeveloped land on an island in the Caribbean Sea. The farm is in Saint Croix, largest island of the U.S. Virgin Islands. The Mangos Know was licensed as a farm in 2023. The land consists of several mature fruit bearing trees and contains at least 30 varieties of existing food bearing plants such as mango, papaya, avocado and coconuts. At present, Workawayers are helping to build the main off-grid farmhouse and implement earthworks to create edible gardens.
The World Central Kitchen states, "Like many islands in the Caribbean, the United States Virgin Islands (USVI) face a high degree of food insecurity because they are dependent on imports from Puerto Rico and the continental United States for more than 95% of their food supply." The farm is one of several small scale organic farms working to improve food security and sustainable living in the Virgin Islands. We are looking for help on infastructure projects as we nurture Saint Croix into becoming a model of conscious farming and living.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Help with Eco Projects
DIY and building projects
General Maintenance
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Saint Croix is a United States territory and can feel familiar to U.S. Citizens in terms of language, currency, and some recognizable chain stores. However, Saint Croix has a culturally diverse history and an opportunity to experience a "Vibe Like No Other".
The island was once inhabited by various indigenous groups. Pottery found on Saint Croix dates the presence of people there to at least a thousand years before Christopher Columbus arrived in 1493. Since the Columbus arrival on the island, Saint Croix switched hands more than any of the Virgin Islands and the indigenous population was dispersed.
Today the population is primarily made up of descendants from Africa, persons from Puerto Rico and the United States, and communities resulting from waves of migration from Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica, Palestine and the Philippines. Today, less than half of the U.S. Virgin Islands population is native-born. We believe the mix of people, cuisine, history and geographical beauty coupled with its laid-back vibe is a wonderful opportunity to experience something completely new. Fusing African traditions with European customs, Carnival occurs from December to January in St Croix.Host offers payment in line with the minimum wage
This host offers accommodation and payment.
Host has indicated that they will pay at least the minimum hourly wage of their country for each hour worked and that accommodation will also be provided. They are asking for help with a business or business activity. Contact the host directly via the site messenger for more information and details about the wage provided. Any arrangements should be agreed in advance with your host.
Help
The focus is currently on building the foundation for a sustainable prefab bamboo farmhouse. Candidates with carpentry and building experience are prioritized, but a humble mindset, a strong work ethic and the ability to work within a team is also strongly desirable. Workawayers will also be asked to help with a variety of other maintenance projects and must be okay with dogs.
The first phase of the project will focus on creating an off-grid concrete rainwater cistern that will become the foundation for a new bamboo farmhouse. Individuals with some knowledge of construction and who enjoy working on a team are preferred. Duties may include, but are not limited to: lifting heavy materials and other physically demanding tasks, carpentry, groundskeeping, trash and debris collecting and invasive plant removal.
Workawayers will be provided lodging at a nearby Eco-camp and receive $30 hr pay. Participants are expected to work weekdays from 9am-2pm.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
German: Intermediate
Accommodation
There is no accommodation on the property, but free housing is provided at the nearby Mt Victory Camp Eco-Lodge. Screened in cabins and tent camping are available. The camp is a 10 minute walk from work. The camp at Mt Victory offers shared facilities for showers and bath, a pavilion with fridge, gas stove, sink and dishes.
Boaters and sailors traveling the Caribbean looking for a pitstop are encouraged to apply. The Mangos Know farm is a 10 minute drive from the shoreline and a popular island anchoring location.
The Mangos Know farm is nestled in the most rural area of St Croix known as the island's "Rainforest" . The closest store, restaurant or gas station is a few miles away. This is a great opportunity for those who love to work outdoors and be surrounded by nature.
What else ...
Close to The farm are stunning beaches, world class snorkeling, hiking in the Rainforest, opportunities to attend farm dinners at a neighboring farm and the nearby town of Frederiksted to purchase the essential toiletries and basic food items. "Hitching" is still a common form of transportation on the island, though we are in a rural area and passersby and ride-sharing is not always available. Once weekly transport or courier service to a larger grocery store outside of town, is offered if needed.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Hours expected
Monday-Friday, 9am-2pm
Feedback (5)
Our time together was regrettably cut short, but I believe… read more
and on the side she took us snorkeling and to the store to get food also out to eat a couple times.
we also went hiking to the light house on the Island.My housing ...stayed in a nice cabin for a month then she provided a tent as well.she paid on time Fri with cash or… read more
This was my first paid position as a workwayer and working with Tina and the team teached me a lot about work values and… read more
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Cultural exchange:
(5.0)
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(5.0)
Our time together was regrettably cut short, but I believe… read more
and on the side she took us snorkeling and to the store to get food also out to eat a couple times.
we also went hiking to the light house on the Island.My housing ...stayed in a nice cabin for a month then she provided a tent as well.she paid on time Fri with cash or… read more
This was my first paid position as a workwayer and working with Tina and the team teached me a lot about work values and… read more
Trent also does very well working independently.… read more
The working day (generally 9-2) is… read more
Having already had significant farm experience, Anna and Siedric were able to complete earthworks tasks with a high degree of skill and thoughtfulness and do it in a time frame that far… read more
Tina was an extremely gracious host - she picked us up and dropped us off at the airport, took us on regular grocery runs, offered rides whenever she could, provided an excellent living space and always made sure we were comfortable and had… read more
Kaitlynn has a quiet demeanor, but she will surprise you with her ability to rise to any challenge. She is responsible,… read more
