David

Netherlands
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Profile information

Travel information
I am currently
Travelling
Activities i am interested in:
I want to acquire concrete knowledge, competences and skills to establish ecosystems through five internships in Europe and Japan throughout 2023
Description
Over the past years I have considerably reduced my ecological footprint and wish to bring it as close as possible to one Earth. I now explore living more from what we create with our hands and hearts, increasing connections and compassion for a humane and sustainable future, and living in and contemplating nature.

That is why I am on a mission to learn in practice how to establish regenerative, net-zero and self-sustainable ecosystems to help tackle the tremendous challenges of our times and achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDG) by joining forces with peers and companions dedicated to a humane and sustainable future for all.

I am gathering quickly knowledge and experience with and seek to deepen my qualification in organic & regenerative farming, permaculture, (agro-) forestry, pasture grazing, science & technology of net-zero emissions and self-sustainability, restoration, conservation, arts & crafts, community engagement, and sustainability education & training.

I want to acquire concrete knowledge, competences and skills through five internships throughout 2023, i.e. respectively one in (i) rewilding, (ii) regenerative farming and off-grid living, (iii) (agro-) forestry, (iv) community engagement, and (v) university campus as regenerative, net-zero and self-sustainable ecosystem. In other words, I want to learn how to bring sustainability into practice and discover where I want to make a difference after these traineeships.

Dedication to justice, solidarity and freedom with heroic leadership and humility is my guiding principle.

My two husbands, our animals, families and friends, gardening and cooking are my passions.
Interests
Politics / Social justice
Writing
Technology
Plant care
History
Events & social
Cooking & food
Beach
Hiking
Charity work
Sustainability
Pets
Mountain
Gardening
Dancing
Carpentry
Art & design
Self development
Performing arts
Languages

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Languages
Languages spoken
German: Fluent
English: Fluent
French: Fluent
Dutch: Fluent
Spanish: Beginner
Italian: Beginner
More details about my language interests
I really love languages and am open to learn more.
Find a language buddy
Skills and knowledge I'd like to share or learn
I'm interested in:
Life at a Farmstay
Animal Care
Some knowledge of:
DIY and building projects
Eco Projects
Charity Work
Teaching
Able to teach about:
Gardening
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Helping around the house
Hospitality/Tourism
Languages
General Maintenance
More details about your skills
thoughtful, authentic and reliable personality who searches for common ground and leads by example
master in practical skills such as cooking, regenerative gardening, driving, diving, swimming, DYI, renovating, digital literacy and animal care
persuasive and inspiring communicator, writer and editor
experienced trainer and guide of talents, colleagues, peers and friends to grow in their best selves
motivational leader in setting up and transforming organisations, advocacy, negotiation, conflict resolution and brokerage to guide people to work together in service of the greater good
facilitator of effective and efficient cooperation between academic and non-academic partners
shape (European) policies and (funding) programmes, raise (European) funds and acquire, manage and administer projects
affinity with long-term strategies, statutory documents, formal statements, manuals and IT-systems
compassionate about safeguarding equality, diversity and inclusion and defending human rights
dedicated to connecting to people at any level, with different opinions and from diverse backgrounds
daily practice of qigong, tai chi and kung fu
Age
51
Some more information
- Smoker
- Driver's licence
- Allergies
  no
- Special dietary requirements
  no

Feedback

1 Oct 2023

Left by host (Help in the sustainable ...) for Workawayer (David)

David= "The Muscles from Brussels". If this man offers his help, you'd be wise to accept it.
David worked on our farm for 5 weeks and did a wonderful job clearing up our forest pastures and re-organizing some of our old sheds along with a bit of field work. This man has unsurpassed work ethics and keeps on pushing until the job is done. He can… read more

(Excellent )

24 Aug 2023

Left by Workawayer (David) for host (Help in the sustainable ...)

My six weeks volunteer placement was a highly inspiring and pleasant experience. There are many and diverse tasks to execute all driven by the passion for farming and the care for nature. I acquired much concrete and practical knowledge, competences and skills particularly in biodynamic farming. The culture of engagement and inclusion; the… read more

(Excellent )

6 Mar 2023

Left by Workawayer (David) for host (Participate in the early ...)

My placement of two months was inspiring, educational and enchanting. The hosts Doreen, Fabian and Falko are wonderful, smart and kind persons.

The spirit and vibe exhales care for nature and for people. I was warmly introduced to and got very inspired by the five principles along which they work their land, i.e. (i) off-grid solar energy, (ii)… read more swales for afforestation with draught resistant trees, (iii) smart water harvesting in terms of rainwater retention for micro-climate and irrigation, (iv) soil improvement, (v) support of existing native plants and trees (particularly cork and stone oak).

Doreen and Falko have both backgrounds in engineering and combine their drive for a more sustainable and humane future with a profound knowledge and application of science and technology covering regenerative agriculture and agro-forestry, fighting desertification, afforestation, smart electricity (with a central role for solar) and sustainable construction. I feel privileged to have learnt so much knowledge from them. Over the past two months, I carried out many and very diverse tasks and obtained many new skills and competences, including driving a 4-wheel b awkward with trailer, making hot-compost, swale-based and hügelkultur afforestation, building a plant workshop, speeding up ecological succession, and making terra preta. I could go on and on ...

The atmosphere is open, pleasant and inclusive: people care for each other! During my two months, I met with Sean who lives on the farm as week, a student trainee Anna, and a fellow workawayer André. I also met with many friends of my hosts and really found the open and direct communication very pleasant. At any time, I was invited to contribute to the ongoing discussions about the further advancement of the farm and truly feel that Doreen, Fabian and Falko are genuinely open for input and feedback. There is a great fun factor on this farm: Fabian has several really cool things to do here, including a professional trampoline, e-bikes with corresponding parcours and so forth.

My placement was my first one with Workaway ever. After only two months, I have gained a lot of knowledge, skills and competences from my three hosts; achieved a lot of concrete results; and gained wonderful new friends. Dear Doreen, Fabian and Falko, I thank you wholeheartedly for the wonderful time and for your friendship!

(Excellent )

6 Mar 2023

Left by host (Participate in the early ...) for Workawayer (David)

We are very happy to give our feedback to the excellent and valuable contribution David provided to the project during his extended stay of two months. With his very positive and encouraging nature David easily integrated in the project and the life at here and quickly became a member of our family. Knowing that David has a professional academic… read more

(Excellent )

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