Regenerate an off-grid, hurricane-ravaged homestead using permaculture in Dominica

Details

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  Description

  Amazing location nestled in the foothills of Morne Fraser overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and bay of Castle Bruce beach on the east coast of Dominica.
  
  Our site suffered severe damage during the passing of Category 5 Hurricane Maria in September 2017. All wooden structures including 2 homes, 3 guesthouse cabins and our school space were totally destroyed and our families lost everything from floorboards to solar panels including fridge, oven, furniture, mattresses, and, most heart-breakingly, all our books and 80% of our tree and garden crops.
  
  6 years on, things are better and we are focussing on WHAT WE HAVE!!
  - A new concrete dwelling with open living space, kitchen, shower and flushing toilet
  - A wooden cabin for rental
  - Natural spring water source
  - Double vault compost toilet (structure in need of regeneration)
  - Tool shed and collection of basic tools.
  - A bunch of salvaged lumber
  - Seeds and some basic organic produce in the ground
  - Our livestock and pets: dogs Gemini & Komatsu, and cats Moringa and Neymar :-)
  - Life, love and each other <3
  
  Living on this beautiful mountainside, developing an off-grid homestead using the principles of permaculture design, is Sian and 2 children ages 10 and 4 ☺️ Each day is busy regardless of projects done on the property!
  
  The long-term vision is to create a self-sufficient homestead and space for an expansive educational community where travellers and residents can experience life in harmony with the thriving natural world whilst engaging in a range of self-care and mindfulness retreats, permaculture design courses and natural building workshops.
  
  I am currently focused on:
  Completing my concrete dome house and restoring/maintaining the garden spaces between the cabin and my house.
  
  Additional projects when the time and team are right ☺️
  - constructing a small fishpond and natural swim/plunge pool
  - rebuilding the structure of the compost toilet
  - building a cob oven and outdoor bar & bbq area
  - installing a simple outdoor shower
  - planting wind-breaks such as bamboo and fruit trees and erosion control such as vetiver grass.
  
  I am rebuilding the property almost from scratch on a shoestring budget... and would love support from committed, conscious, kindhearted helpers who can handle (and enjoy!) basic living conditions. Construction or home renovation experience would be amazing. Knowledge/experience of using permaculture would be ideal.
  
  Volunteers will stay in a cabin if available, or a tent with shared bathroom facilities. There is slow internet available via my phone for checking mails (on your own device).
  
  We are located in a fairly remote rural area surrounded by farms and forest. Beautiful river hang-out spots and some hiking trails are close by. The beach is a 25 minute walk. A nearby workaway host has been slandering me and telling volunteers not to stay with me...please ignore him.
  
  Thanks for reading 💚 much respect and gratitude.
  
  *️️️️️️ *️️️️️️ *️️️️️️ *️️️️️️ *️️️️️️ *️️️️️️ *️️️️️️

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Help with Eco Projects

  Gardening

  DIY and building projects

  Farmstay help

  Babysitting and creative play

  Creating/ Cooking family meals

  Help around the house

  General Maintenance
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  You will learn....
  
  - to survive in the bush with very little resources
  - to construct hurricane-resilient concrete dome structures
  - to live with limited electricity and internet connection
  - to see the beauty of the natural world in its purest form
  - to love and laugh no matter your hardships

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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 are hoping to host volunteers with some building skills, especially carpenters and people with construction experience - but this is not essential. More important to be fairly strong and physically fit, possess positive and conscious vibes and have the right attitude and work ethic.

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  English: Fluent
  Spanish: Intermediate
  French: 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.
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  Accommodation

  In tents - if you have your own please bring it as we have limited resources. As mentioned above, all lodgings were destroyed so conditions are basic.
  
  We share the toilet and shower located in the house.

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  What else ...

  Buses run to Roseau (capital) monday-saturday. We are close to the beach, river, hiking trails, Kalinago territory for indigenous culture, mountains, rainforest... Nature adventures to be had at every turn.

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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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  Space for parking camper vans

  Yes but I would be surprised if anyone came to Dominica that way but sure, fine with me!

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  Two

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