Help at agroecological, non-profit project in Las Marías, Puerto Rico

Details

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  Description

  We are a young couple with a 6 year old and a baby (Derrick, Paola, Ikal and Ymaé), directing a non-profit organization based on union and community self-management in the agricultural sector through services that promote food sovereignty.
  
  In short words, the story goes like this: After hurricane María, us and a group of people from the island got a scholarship at Earthship Biotecture Academy at Taos NM. We studied about sustainable and resilient systems for houses and other structures. Once we got back to the island, we started working on a disaster relief project located at TainaSoy Apiario in the town of Aguada. My family and I, after a year post-hurricane still without a secure home, decided to buy a bus with the aim of turning it into a small sustainable house with the mission of finding a farm where we can anchor our roots. We moved through five different farms until we reached to Plato Indio, Las Marías, where we finally stayed.
  
  We have a spacious house that shares a "hostel" (where volunteers stay)that has its own kitchen and bathroom. Approximately 50 cuerdas (land measurement system in P.R.) with a beautiful river that surrounds us. The mission is to protect the land and establish agroforestry systems.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Charity Work

  Art Projects

  Language practice

  Help with Eco Projects

  Teaching

  Gardening

  DIY and building projects

  Animal Care

  Farmstay help

  Babysitting and creative play

  Creating/ Cooking family meals

  Help around the house

  General Maintenance

  Help with Computers/ Internet
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  UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

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  What's this?
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  Our non-profit is community based in which you’ll find yourself being part of activities and experiences that are going to help connect local people so we all work and farm together for a future built on food sovereignty and self-reliance.
  
  Once a week we'll go to the grocery store so you'll be able to come with us and buy your favorite snacks.
  
  For people that will stay a month or more, we plan to have one or two days for going on a road trip. That includes, beaches, river or even camping!

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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 currently establishing the fruit forest, crop and camping areas, among other things. Therefore we are going to need help maintaining the roads of the farm, dedicating time to the plant nursery and working on a variety of small and large projects that comes ahead.
  
  We're looking for people, preferably couples or partners (for teamwork), who are able to work from easy to difficult tasks. Must have some knowledge and experience in construction, planting, yard work, handling tools and machinery (like weedwacker). Also, have the habit of waking up early, work in tropical conditions (sun, rain, mud, mosquitoes) and be responsible. We are currently starting the cold season here in the mountains and the weather is very comfortable.

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  English: Fluent
  Spanish: Fluent

  This host offers a language exchange
  Open to learn new languages and share the ones we know.
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  Accommodation

  We have a hostel with 2 bunkbeds, bathroom and a mini kitchen. Also have plenty of camping spots with the most magical views at Las Marias mountains.

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  What else ...

  First of all, it is important to us how you will get to the farm. There are many ways: if you arrive at the SJ airport, you can take a direct flight to the Mayaguez airport and we will pick you up there. Come by Taxi. Or take the Sultana bus line, which runs from Mayaguez to San Juan and vice versa and we can pick you up there in Mayaguez.
  
  Many rivers and beaches are nearby and good restaurants too. We recommend that you rent a car so you can move freely. However, when we go to the city you can travel with us. Meanwhile, you can go to the river in our farm, put your hammock in a good place, read books, do yoga, play the guitar (we have some instruments), do art, campfire, etc.

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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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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  More than two

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  Hours expected

  Maximum 5 hours a day, 5 days per week

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