Join a Montessori trail and forest conservation near Venice, Italy

Details

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  Description

  We are a couple who, upon completion of their respective academic careers, have followed various conscious choices for a healthier and more sustainable life. Twenty-five years have passed since then, and there are now six of us in our family, including two adult children, a teenager and a little girl. The mother, a developmental psychologist, studied and specialized in the Montessori method. The Montessori approach embraces a vision respectful of the growing individual and towards the natural environment. We practice homeschooling, we love to lead a quiet life in tune with the rhythms of nature.
  Over time, this life choice has met with the enthusiasm of several people united by the same desire. Twelve years ago, a non-profit association was founded to promote greater scientific knowledge of the Montessori approach and the quality of accessible education, as well as to lead a low-impact existence, while also actively contributing to the reduction of environmental damage.
  It wasn't demagoguery, but also hard, first-person manual work, driven by passion, which has occupied us over the years.
  Since we have a large plot of land we have dedicated ourselves to the implementation of the Community project and our commitment has focused on some fundamental objectives: regenerating an intensively exploited agricultural area through afforestation, encouraging the return of native fauna and practising agriculture that respects natural balances.
  Alongside environmental protection, we promote the dissemination of the Montessori approach as a tool to support children in becoming conscious adults, offering families and young people the opportunity to develop a deeper relationship with nature. We also pay particular attention to the accessibility of spaces and the creation of a welcoming environment, capable of enhancing the participation and well-being of people of all ages, provenance and condition.
  If you're wondering how we lasted so long, it's because we don't lack a good dose of humor and self-deprecation. We don't think it's healthy to take ourselves too seriously, or at least, it's always better to accompany hard work with an atmosphere of lightness and joy. This does not affect its quality!
  In our own small way, respecting the diversity of each family member, we pursue these goals by sharing this journey with all the people who wish to help grow the project.
  If you want to have a pleasant but meaningful travel experience in Italy, we invite you to contact us.
  We also gladly offer hospitality for a month or more, we welcome both individually and in groups, people of all ages or families. We appreciate the linguistic and cultural exchange and invite you to join our family and community, in our sustainable project.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Charity Work

  Art Projects

  Language practice

  Help with Eco Projects

  Teaching

  Light gardening

  Creative DIY projects

  Animal Care

  Help around the house

  Light maintenance

  Help with Computers/ Internet

  House & pet sitting
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  Interests

  

  DIY & crafts

  

  Outdoor activities

  

  Books

  

  Charity work

  

  Nature

  

  Sustainability
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  Why choose to stay with us during your experience in Italy?
  First of all, because you will be welcome! We love to meet and welcome people from other countries, because we feel like citizens of the world.
  At the same time, we will be happy to teach you how to practice the Italian language.
  If you are interested in training, you will have a unique opportunity to be able to deepen the principles of Montessori pedagogy, observing its application in the prepared environment and participating, when possible, in the activities that take place.
  Depending on the season, you will be able to participate in experiences dedicated to nature and the territory, such as the recognition of wild herbs, insects, practice bird-watching activities or simple agroforestry and Mediterranean forestry activities. We will be happy to share our expertise and experience in these areas with you.
  You will have access to our small multicultural library, which collects books from different countries and written in numerous languages.
  When planned, you can participate with us in organized cultural visits, courses and scientific or artistic workshops held by experts and hosted for children, however always interesting for everyone.
  We believe this experience is suitable for those who, in addition to being willing to help with practical activities, also like to linger and contemplate the little things, and are looking for a different and sustainable travel experience.
  We offer a place rich in Italian culture, a guide to Italian art, history, language, and current and traditional Italian culture.

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  Projects involving children

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

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  Help

  We welcome volunteers who wish to actively participate in our reality and in our activities, non-profit, which we first carry out in our free time, bringing their contribution in a collaborative spirit, respectful and open to exchange.
  
  Activities change following the rhythm of the seasons and the evolution of environmental needs. Context requires a certain degree of adaptability, empathy, and resilience, because living and working in contact with nature and a community of people also means adapting to its times.
  
  During your stay, you can help us in different areas that support our project and that will be agreed upon according to availability before your arrival.
  
  We appreciate any help with:
  -language exchange and support with the English language;
  -help move obstacles, to make spaces more accessible and help overcome architectural barriers;
  -care and attention towards the animals present in the shelter;
  -forest care and reforestation activities, such as bramble and invasive plant removal, branch harvesting, natural space maintenance, and new tree planting;
  -collaboration in the management and improvement of small social gardens in permaculture;
  -recovery and enhancement of the small natural aquatic oasis;
  -construction of simple fences using branches and wood recovered from the area;
  -support in the creation of artifacts and creative crafts;
  -setting up of a bioclimatic greenhouse ;
  -recovery, cleaning and maintenance of materials intended for ecological reuse (plastic, metal, glass, fabrics)
  -creation of signs, information panels, and materials dedicated to discovering the flora, fauna, and paths of the forest;
  -care and containment of the growth of a vineyard over fifty years old, through a conservative approach;
  -occasional support in preparing parties, meetings, or charitable events, depending on the project period and needs.
  
  It is not necessarily required to look after or come into contact with children, but children are also present in the environment. For this reason, before your arrival, with a view to clarity, we will have to share with you some of our country's guidelines.
  However, always in the presence of an educator, for those interested, it will be possible to get involved with the children in the Montessori or natural environment, and share a linguistic and cultural exchange with them as well.
  
  Even if not mentioned, do not hesitate to propose your abilities and interests to us, as as part of a cultural exchange, we may share them.

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  Italian: Fluent
  English: Intermediate

  This host offers a language exchange
  As Montessori teacher, if you wish, I would be happy to help you learn Italian easily using Montessori materials. We'd be happy if you could help us improve our English.
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  Accommodation

  The accommodation within the family home consists of a single room of approximately 30 square meters, possibly equipped to accommodate couples of travellers or families. The room is simple and basic (although help with any improvements is welcome if you have the necessary skills), but bright and private, with an entrance independent of the garden. Although very rustic, it is equipped with various comforts:
  - a TV;
  - a small library;
  - tourist guides;
  - a small sofa;
  - a table;
  next to the room is a small windowed bathroom, with essential sanitary ware for exclusive use. The bathrooms equipped with shower, are shared with the family as well as the kitchen.
  You can use the laundry room equipped with a washing machine and wash on the agreed days and times.
  The house is surrounded by a small wooded park, however close to the main roads, in a residential area of the countryside, close to the center of the village. However, since it is an area rich in vegetation and waterways as well as ponds, in some months it is recommended to equip yourself to defend yourself from mosquitoes.
  We offer the option of camping with a tent in the woods and still using the other things mentioned.
  A bus stop connecting to the center of Padua or the train station is just 200 meters away and we will be happy to lend you a bicycle whenever possible. On foot, however, you reach a pizzeria, a pastry shop, a fruit and vegetable shop, a tobacconist, a copy shop, a post office, a convenience store, a live music venue, a gym and a swimming pool, also open all’ in summer.
  In the center of the small town, a 10-minute bike ride away, there is a bank, a health service, shops, bars, several supermarkets, the old Villa Contarini, local events such as the antiques market, and various fairs. In neighboring towns, other fairs and festivals related to the area color summer evenings or autumn afternoons.
  The location is 40 minutes from Venice and an equal distance from the Euganean Hills and the Dolomites Natural Park.
  Padua, Venice and Verona, Treviso, are cities rich in art and history. Bologna and Ravenna are also just an hour's train ride from Padua. Nearby are mountains, hills and the sea, reached by pulman lines.
  We can't guarantee you'll be there to eat all the meals together, but we will get you the neccessary so you can cook for yourselves. However, we would be happy to share a meal with the family whenever the opportunity arises. Our diet is generally varied and includes vegetarian options such as pasta, rice, legumes, vegetables, eggs, dairy products, and fruit.

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  What else ...

  ... If you want to see pears hanging from a 50-foot-tall tree or tomatoes climbing the vine, this is the experience for you!

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  A little more information

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    Internet access

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    Limited internet access

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    We have pets

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    We are smokers

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    Can host families

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  Can host digital nomads

  We offer a good Wi-Fi connection and a quiet, private space for working.

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  Space for parking camper vans

  A medium-sized camper or camper van. We prefer that the vehicle, once parked in the tree-shaded green area, remains stationary until departure so as not to disturb the vegetation and wildlife. Electricity hook-up available.

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  Can possibly accept pets

  It is possible. Each case is evaluated individually for compatibility with other animals already present.

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  More than two

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  My animals / pets

  Hamsters

  kitten female

  male kitten

  big size dog very quite

  little little female dog

  Little little male dog

  many Parrots

  Tartaruga

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