The project
This project is hosted by the NLFI Rehabilitation and Health Clinic, a non-profit organisation in Iceland, which is part of the Natural Health Association of Iceland. The clinic has a horticultural and environmental department that focuses on forestry, gardening, and greenhouse work. As a volunteer through Concordia, you will be supporting the host in these activities.
Volunteers will spend much of their time in the greenhouses, helping with weeding, planting, and harvesting vegetables such as tomatoes and cucumbers, as well as making tea from Icelandic herbs. Other tasks include weed control, general gardening, and environmental maintenance of the property, which may involve some renovation when needed. All agriculture at the centre is organic.
Main activities include, but are not limited to:
Agriculture: cultivating soil, planting, raising, and harvesting crops
Horticulture: growing fruits, vegetables, and plants
Renovation work around the property as needed
During winter, tasks may also include snow clearance
The nature of the project is heavily influenced by weather conditions, which can change quickly, so volunteers should come prepared with clothing suitable for the outdoors, as well as for tasks inside the warm greenhouses. Project hours are from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., with a morning coffee break and a lunch break.
Accommodation & food
Volunteers will stay at the Natural Health Association's house in Hveragerði, which is located within the medical compound. The house has 5 double rooms, a fully equipped kitchen, multiple bathrooms, and a common area.
Volunteers need to bring their own sleeping bags, though beds and sheets are provided. There is free access to wireless internet and a washing machine is available.
Food is provided throughout the duration of the volunteering project. However, everyone is expected to share in the cooking and cleaning. A well-balanced, healthy variety of food will be provided, including whole grains, seasonal fruits and vegetables, dairy products, and pantry staples. A vegetarian diet is encouraged!
Location & leisure
Hveragerði is a beautiful area known for its excellent hiking routes, including the hot river in Reykjadalur. Volunteers will also take part in intercultural learning and exchange during the evenings. Volunteers from different countries will present their cultures informally, which could include games, theatre, or presentations. We encourage volunteers to bring along food, photos, or anything interesting from their home country for a fun and informative evening.
In addition, the host organisation, WF Iceland, will arrange affordable weekend excursions to some of Iceland’s most stunning natural attractions, including waterfalls, geothermal areas, glaciers, lava fields, hot springs, and more. The Golden Circle tour is included in the camp fee.
This volunteering project offers a unique opportunity to spend time in Iceland with other international volunteers, sharing knowledge, exploring environmental issues, and engaging in intercultural learning while surrounded by the beautiful Icelandic landscape. The area around the accommodation is also great for hiking. Volunteers are encouraged to plan ahead, stick to the trails, dispose of waste responsibly, and avoid approaching wildlife.
Project host
Worldwide Friends (WF) Iceland, a non-profit organisation founded in 2001, promotes nature and peace-oriented activities for volunteers in Iceland. The main focus this year is to educate about the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations and to clean the Icelandic coastline. WF Iceland organises volunteer projects, seminars, local events, and exchange programmes suitable for both young people and adults.
Interested?
Thinking about joining this project but not sure if it’s right for you? Or maybe a parent looking for more details?
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