Description

Gain valuable experience in a working organic farm which provides self-sustainability and a healthy, secure and peaceful quality lifestyle.

This Work Experience placement aims to give you maximum benefit and experience that will be invaluable to you in the future and totally different to what you're used to in your home country.

This project is based on an eco-village residential development, situated on a working Organic farm. Although luxury living, one feels as though one is living in the bush, with jackals, guinea fowl, small buck, hedgehogs and porcupines wandering freely. There is also an abundant and varied birdlife. There is a variety of projects on the go and some planned for the near future, including a dairy, producing organic milk.

The project is situated in the beautiful hills between Johannesburg and the Magaliesburg Mountains, with 3km of the Jukskei River meandering through the farm!

This is a totally new concept, combining a secure eco-village residential estate with an organic, natural way of life, as well as striving to protect and give back to the environment in every way possible. A major difference between this eco village estate and most other upmarket developments is that it's actually a working farm, with a strong emphasis on Organic agriculture. At Monaghan Farm, you will learn how important a natural environment is for our health, well-being, safety and happiness, especially for children growing up in a world of technology.

At the heart of Farm are 10 acres dedicated to the farming of vegetables, herbs and cut flowers. Not a single pesticide or chemical fertiliser is used. Everything is organically grown and even the fertiliser used comes from the farm's own earthworm factory. This is done by using "green" garbage and manure which the worms convert into fine, dark 'vermicast'. A healthy herd of Nguni cattle provide the manure and crop the fields at the same time.

Organic produce is not just a luxury. Research in the UK provides a glimpse of what conventional farming approaches are doing. A study on "The Involuntary Consumption of Agro-chemicals of British Consumers" estimated that the average British consumer eats around 5 kg (11 lbs) of pesticides, herbicides and fungicides per year with their vegetables and fruits.

You'll learn the basics of Organic farming and be involved in the daily farming activities. Organic farming is very labour-intensive and varied and you need to use your own initiative and have a 'hands-on' approach to each day, mucking in with whatever activities are on the go. Every day is slightly different, and most of the day may be spent outdoors in the African sun ... which mean you can almost be guaranteed of going home with a great tan!

The main projects on the farm are:

* Organic vegetable and herb culture
* Planning
* Planting
* Harvesting
* Packing
* Marketing
* Pest control

There is also an Earthworm breeding programme to aid compost production for the farm

Irrigation - A normal day would start with joining the vegetable garden team at 7.30am. Pumps need to be switched on and the irrigation schedule organized and put into practice. Water from the borehole, dam or river is pumped back into the refill reservoir before irrigation begins. Strict timetables are kept to ensure that water is not wasted.

Each block in the vegetable garden must receive a certain amount of water, depending on the size, stage of growth and type of vegetable. During that time, all irrigation 'spitters' need to be checked for blockages, leaks and other abnormalities or problems. If there are any problems, they need to be sorted out to make sure all plants are watered properly.

During the summer rainfall months, soil moisture needs to be checked and monitored each day, to assess whether extra irrigation is needed. This part of the world has impressive thunderstorms with good downpours most days in summer at about 4pm, and then the storm just passes as quickly as it arrived, leaving the land cooled and watered. These downpours also intensify the perfumes of the different indigenous plants.

Planting schedules also need to be maintained to ensure on-going harvesting. Volunteers may help plant new seeds and seedlings periodically. Young plants are also planted out from nursery beds. When crops are harvested, these beds need to be prepared for the next batch of seeds or seedlings.

Weeding and insect control - While some are being watered, other vegetable beds need to be weeded organically, i.e. no weeds should be pulled out by roots, but rather cut down to the right depth so that the roots are left to decompose into the ground. This also provides food for the earthworms. These beds also need to be carefully checked for insects and some may need harvesting. The insects are killed and returned to the soil, which gives added organic food for earthworms. As no chemicals or pesticides are used, manual insect control is very important to producing healthy vegetables.

Maintenance - The vegetable garden needs to be kept tidy and orderly, and this involves regular weeding, mowing of the lawns between beds by 'driven' mowers, and using 'weed eaters' (strimmers) to trim the edges. There are members of staff who usually perform these tasks, but you could help too.

Other activities - You may be involved in manual harvesting, packaging, contacting markets and could also accompany the driver to help with deliveries now and then.

Bird activities - It is very important to assess whether bird species are good or bad for the vegetable garden. Observations of bird activities need to be noted down and kept, i.e. type of birds in the garden, whether they eat the worms or aphids or the vegetables. The farm is full of different varieties of birds and even if you are not a 'bird watcher', you won't be able to resist an interest in these lovely species!

Orders - Orders for vegetables need to be processed and delivered to residents, and you may help with this as well. Outside customers will collect their produce. Sometimes orders need to be picked and delivered to the Deli/Restaurant on the farm.

At 9am there is a 'breakfast break' for staff. You can either have a good breakfast at home or take a packed breakfast or snack for the 9am break. Pauline (your Travellers representative and the person who will look after you while you're on the placement) will also arm you with rusks or muffins and a flask of coffee, tea or fruit juice for a mid-morning break. There is a lunch break from 1 to 2pm and you can choose to go back to the house for lunch or take a picnic lunch with you to have under the trees near the river. (If you are in the veggie garden, it is about a 7 minute walk to the house, and from the offices approximately 10 minutes' walk).

Vermi-compost - You will also learn how the earthworm factory works. All plants are fertilized with this organic compost when the seeds or seedlings are planted, and again during growth. The staff will help and supervise you with lots of interesting information and procedures in this project.

Projects planned for the near future:

* Cut flower and rose farming which covers
* Planning
* Planting and Pruning
* Feeding and fertilizing
* Picking
* Packing
* Marketing
* Horses and cattle
* Organic compost production
* Animal husbandry
* Organic dairy facility
* Stabling and care for horses

Other Duties
There are always unforeseen events occurring on the farm, so if you're keen to learn all aspects of farm business (depending on your initiative, experience and/or qualifications), these may include:

* Attending to staff issues
* Security implementation
* Sitting in on meetings with unions
* Learning the protocol of the whole farm and keeping an eye open for any interesting occurrences problems
* A newsletter is published weekly for residents at Monaghan and if you would like to use your creative and writing skills, you could help with this
* Alien vegetation control
* Helping sell vegetables at organic vegetable markets in the area
* Problems with cattle (e.g. a cow giving birth to a stillborn calf)
* Fire break knowledge and control - lightning has been known to start fires in this region

Highlights

WHAT YOU'LL GAIN FROM DOING THIS PROJECT

* An exciting, never-to-be-forgotten adventure into Africa and the many diverse cultures in South Africa
* New skills, more confidence, a greater understanding of a different culture, invaluable personal and professional development.
* An entry on your CV or resume that will put you head and shoulders above most others in the job market
* And best of all ... an unforgettable experience!

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES YOU CAN DO WHILE ON THIS PROJECT:

SAFARIS There are various wildlife reserves if you would like to go on safari:
Kruger Park, Lion and Rhino Park, The Cradle of Humankind or Sterkfontein Caves: The 2.5 million year-old skeleton of 'Mrs. Ples', and an almost complete skeleton estimated to be 3.3 million years old were excavated here. These caves have one of the richest and most productive anthropological sites in the world.
HOT-AIR BALLOON FLIGHTS depart from various venues close to the farm
5-DAY OR 7-DAY SAFARI from Cape Town up the renowned Garden Route: taking in Dolphin and Whale Spotting, visits to many tourist attractions, such as a visit to a brewery(!), the Bloukrantz Bungy Jump (reportedly the highest in the world), and a guided tour of the Cango Caves.
1 WEEK WHALES, SHARKS AND DOLPHINS Project: This is an extraordinary and exciting project in a beautiful location, surrounded by white beaches and blue ocean. And two hours from the world's third favourite city - Cape Town. What more could anyone want?

Qualifications

No qualifications or previous experience are necessary, just a good dose of enthusiasm! Everyone is welcome on a Travellers programme, whether gap year, undergraduate, on a career break - or even retired! From 17 years old upwards, and all nationalities. This placement would suit anyone who wants to make a real difference, wants first-hand experience of a different culture and has initiative.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Written materials abroad
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

Full support from the moment of booking and throughout your placement to your return home. There are support staff 24/7 in all our destinations worldwide and a 24 hour emergency international telephone line direct to the Head Office. All meals are provided, unless otherwise stated. Accommodation is provided (whether a rented house, a hotel/hostel, homestay, apartment or flat).

You'll be met at the nearest airport on your arrival by our in-country manager who will take you to your accommodation and give you a full induction into the area. He/she will also be on call 24/7 and you'll see them frequently.

Pre-departure you'll receive comprehensive information about every aspect of your placement and necessary preparations, ranging from what to pack, to visa information, to what to do on your weekend travel in the country. Your safety, well being and happiness throughout your placement are our primary concerns and we will keep in touch with you throughout. International flights not included.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

• Organic Farming
• Volunteering

Typical Volunteer

This placement would suit people who want to make a real difference, want first-hand experience of a different culture and who have initiative. No qualifications or previous experience are necessary, just a good dose of enthusiasm and a love of children! Everyone is welcome on a Travellers programme, whether gap year, undergraduate, on a career break - or even retired! From 17 years old upwards, and all nationalities.

Age Range

17 - 70+

This Program is open to

American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays

Application Process Involves

• Resume
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

within 5 working days

Post Services Include

• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Travellers Worldwide's Mission Statement

Travellers Worldwide organises all types of worthwhile and beneficial voluntary placements in local communities. We also provide Work Experience & Internship opportunities, as well as different types of Courses and study abroad options. We have many diverse projects, from teaching underprivileged or refugee children in schools, orphanages and care homes, to conservation and rehabilitation of endangered animals, such as orangutans, lion cubs, dolphins, elephants. Our aim is to make a difference to the communities we work in and to facilitate personal and professional growth in our volunteers. We employ local people in our destination countries and local providers of goods and services, thus ensuring we have a positive impact on the community. Our ethos encompasses mutual respect, cultural exchange, responsible travel and a beneficial outcome for all. Travellers also arranges work experience placements in Journalism, Law, Veterinary, Medicine, Tourism, Architecture, and many more. There are also opportunities to learn languages and other skills such as Capoeira in Brazil, Tango in Argentina or Flying in South Africa. These projects are unique - and tailored to suit you! Our placements are flexible (2 weeks to 1 year) and on most you can choose your own start and finish dates. No qualifications are required, just an enthusiasm to experience a new culture! Full support is provided within the country, with friendly and conscientious staff, ensuring a safe and exciting way to experience a brand new culture! Placements are also very sociable: you'll make friends with the other international volunteers and often volunteers travel together after their placement and during their free weekends. We help you to Make a Difference and have an exciting adventure travel experience!

Year Founded

1995