Imagine you are in the tropical rainforest of North Sumatra, learning together with the local population how to grow healthy food and protect the fragile ecosystem at the same time. In the Eco-Farming program, you do just that and set a strong example for sustainable agriculture and environmental protection. On our partner organization's own small farm, you will teach practical skills such as how to grow fruit and vegetables without using environmentally harmful practices and raise awareness of sustainability and the opportunities it creates for local communities.
If you want to get your hands dirty, spread knowledge and initiate positive change at the same time, then the Eco-Farming program is the right place for you. Here you will not only develop your skills, but also strengthen local communities and preserve the beauty and diversity of nature.
Our non-profit partner organization provides free education to hundreds of people in rural North Sumatra. The programs help build stronger and more resilient communities while supporting efforts to protect critically endangered ecosystems. All programs are developed and implemented in consultation with and for the benefit of the local population. They are also supported and implemented by staff from the communities. The aim is to empower the local population and promote sustainable development through educational programs. The aim is to achieve a sustainable balance between human activity and highly endangered natural ecosystems.
A severe flood cost the lives of many people in the project region in 2003 and many lost their homes. The founder of our partner organization had visited the village a few months before the flood and decided to help the people she had met on her travels after the flood. She collected donations and returned with the aim of providing basic assistance to those affected. Initially, the victims of the disaster were mainly helped medically. With the support of volunteers from home and together with the local population, a permanent structure for the project was established in 2007. The project has been supporting the population of North Sumatra from the very beginning. The spectrum ranges from humanitarian aid, sustainable development, environmental protection and education to programs for the management of natural resources. Among other things, support is also provided to the neighboring communities on the edge of the highly endangered Leuser ecosystem. The overarching mission is to promote the self-determination of local people through education.
Unsustainable, environmentally damaging industries, especially for palm oil, are a fundamental problem in the project region. People are dependent on these industries to survive, as socio-economic development and access to quality education in the region is rather low. People in rural communities often work for palm oil companies to feed their families. They have few other job opportunities. Education, on the other hand, creates opportunities for people and gives them the chance to make their own decisions about their lives. Access to free education shows people how to find work in sustainable industries. This work not only protects the environment, but often also offers better financial prospects. The educational programs also spread knowledge and awareness of the environmental problems in the region. In particular, the children are informed about the threat to the rainforest and about nature conservation measures in order to teach them what a good future can look like. Knowledge about environmentally friendly agricultural practices is therefore also disseminated throughout the community and people are shown how they can take care of themselves sustainably and avoid environmentally harmful methods.
The main objective is to produce food where it is most needed, in a way that protects nature in a sustainable way. The Eco-Farming program aims to secure healthy food for today and tomorrow through organic farming by protecting the soil, water and climate. As a volunteer, you will support the project in the nature conservation programs and thus enable hundreds of people in rural North Sumatra to receive free training. You will have the opportunity to learn in an international team, learn how a non-profit NGO works and also have countless opportunities to become part of the local community.
You will work with the local regenerative agriculture experts and take a leading role in the conservation efforts of the partner organization. Responsibilities are varied and generally include participating in morning farming sessions, learning and applying regenerative farming techniques, overseeing the project's many dialogue and environmental initiatives, working with local farmers and entrepreneurs to promote their sustainable growth, and assisting with strategy development and program expansion to improve them.
You contribute directly to the preservation of the local ecosystem by taking care of a rare and effective eco-farm. The partner organization has its own small eco-farm, which is located on a larger farm owned by a local partner. The partner is a non-profit organization committed to environmental education and nature conservation. The EFP demonstrates the advantages of organic farming compared to conventional farming. Organic farming offers numerous benefits that contribute to a healthier lifestyle and environment, as well as providing economic benefits. A wide variety of fruit, vegetables and flowers are grown on the farm, which are constantly changing and grown in rotation. You will support the team on the farm in the care and management of a fully functioning, environmentally friendly farm.
We offer weekly farming classes for children to teach them basic farming skills such as planting and harvesting. You will help organize these agricultural courses for children. The aim is to get them excited about growing their own food. You can use your creativity to design courses on cooking and preserving to keep them fun and exciting.
The aim of the project is to provide people from the local communities with more knowledge about organic farming. Many people own land and grow their own food. You help to show them how this can be done sustainably. In addition, the long-term aim is to work with the local partner to promote urban agriculture in the village for those who do not own much land. You can be part of this development with your ideas and commitment.
You will work in the program Monday to Friday and have the weekend off. The working hours in the program are from 08:00 - 17:00, with a lunch break from 12:00 - 14:00. Sometimes you may have to be ready for work again at 13:00 for certain tasks. 17:00 is the end of the working day and there is time for activities nearby. For example, going for a swim in the river to cool off after a hot day at work.
The Eco-Farming program is developed and run by a local Indonesian team with whom you will work. The program offers a perfect escape from the hectic lifestyles that often characterize our everyday lives in the West, while having a significant positive impact on the natural environment. This position is ideal for you if you are passionate about conservation, have an interest in community development and want to learn more about sustainable agriculture.
In addition to your work in the eco-farming program, you will also have the opportunity to participate in traditional arts and crafts workshops, such as organic soap making, bamboo weaving, tree planting, eco-brick making and traditional Indonesian cooking classes.
Our partner organization places great value on an open, communicative and supportive working environment. If you ever have a problem or feel overworked, you can speak up at any time and it will be taken care of. There are also weekly 1-to-1 sessions for your professional and personal development. So you are in good hands all round.
Located in rural North Sumatra, near the small village of Bukit Lawang, our partner project is surrounded by tropical rainforest. Gunung Leuser National Park, a biodiversity hotspot, is located in the immediate vicinity. It is the only place on earth where tigers, elephants, orangutans and rhinos live together in the wild. During your stay, you have the opportunity to take part in a two-day jungle trip to Gunung Leuser National Park.
The area around the project site is characterized by lowland rainforests, river valleys, with the Bohorok River flowing nearby, and gentler slopes. The region is characterized by a tropical rainforest climate with consistently high humidity and high temperatures. In addition, there is regular and often heavy rainfall, especially during the monsoon season. The river valleys offer some shade and are ideal for cooling off.
The nearest town is Bukit Lawang, which is less than a 10-minute drive from the project site. It is possible to walk a short distance or one of the team members will take you to the village. There are cafés and a bakery in the immediate vicinity. In Bukit Lawang you will find everything you need for basic supplies. There are small guesthouses, homestays and small warungs (local restaurants). But there are also restaurants for tourists with Indonesian and Western dishes. You will also find small stores with snacks, drinks and toiletries. Basic medical care is also available in a small health center. For more serious problems, you should go to Medan. There are hospitals there and a larger selection for any other errands. The journey there takes around 2.5 hours.
At the weekend, you will have time to explore the impressive landscape. Activities such as hikes, river trips, canyoning or camping are also organized by the project from time to time, which you can of course take part in at any time. However, if you prefer to relax and switch off, you can also use the free time for yourself. There are also plenty of opportunities to spend time with the other volunteers and staff during the week. There are weekly cooking evenings, joint trips to the river to go swimming or to Bukit Lawang for dinner. Quiz nights, fitness and language classes and various local workshops are also offered. There is plenty to discover and experience outside of your work in the program.
What you should pay attention to when you are outside the project site, even if the project itself is an open space and interaction, Bukit Lawang itself is a male-dominated, conservative village. Women in the community should cover their shoulders and not wear shorts or skirts above the knee. Men should always wear a top, except when bathing or swimming. Long pants and closed shoes should be worn for classes in the communities. Arm tattoos must be covered.
Arrival:
The connection to Medan is quite good. The quickest way to get to the capital of North Sumatra is to take a flight from Jakarta. When you arrive in Medan, the journey to the project location is already organized for you. You will be picked up there by project staff together with your fellow volunteers who are also starting their work in the project. During the journey, you will gain your first impressions and get to know your new surroundings.
You should be at least 18 years old for the Eco-Farming program. Beyond that, you do not need any special knowledge. What you should have, however, is a willingness to want to make a positive difference and contribute to the community in a meaningful way. If you have a passion for nature and an interest in conservation issues, then this is ideal, as the basis of all programs is the protection and sustainable development of natural ecosystems. You will also be working with children to a certain extent, so an interest in working with children is an advantage. A certain cultural sensitivity is essential as you will be dealing with many different people. Openness, tolerance and a positive attitude will provide you with unforgettable experiences.
A good level of English is essential for your assignment. You should be able to communicate well at all times. This will help you to feel confident, also when communicating with other international volunteers and staff. You will also need a good level of English for the courses with the children.
During your stay, you will be accommodated on the project site with the majority of the team. You will share your accommodation with other volunteers. There is one accommodation for men and one for women, each with sleeping places for 3 people. This means a maximum of 6 volunteers on the project site. The accommodation is simple, but sufficiently well equipped. Above all, great importance is attached to a sociable and welcoming atmosphere so that you quickly feel at home and become part of the large project family. The accommodation is equipped with fans and there is plenty of storage space for your belongings. Bed linen is provided.
There are three bathrooms, a laundry room and a large communal kitchen on the project site. A highlight is the huge roof terrace, where you can relax and watch the sun set over the jungle.
W-LAN is available on the project site. There is also Wi-Fi in many guest houses and restaurants in the village. However, a local SIM card can be useful to be able to use data volume and stay connected if necessary. If you would like to use a SIM card, please speak to the staff and they will help you to get one and how to register.
From Monday to Friday there is a communal lunch on the project site. The food is always freshly cooked and there is always plenty of variety. There are mainly excellent traditional dishes that are put on the table for you to choose from. Vegetarian and vegan dishes are also always an option. They are traditionally served with rice. For breakfast, the main breakfast ingredients are provided, but many people buy their own and store them in the kitchen. For dinner and also at the weekend, you have to take care of your own food. However, this is not a problem, as there are many cheap and delicious places to eat in the surrounding area and in Bukit Lawang. The volunteers often go out to eat together in the village and spend the evening together.
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