Rome, the capital of Italy, has often been referred to as the birthplace of Western civilization. With the city’s ancient ruins and majestic monuments, many overlook the fact that the city also has a thriving sustainable agricultural industry. During this experience, volunteer travelers will work at some of Rome’s many farms and parks, assisting with tasks such as cultivating and harvesting vegetables and legumes; planting, weeding and watering plants; and taking care of farm animals. Volunteers will also learn about urban beekeeping and honey production and help out with urban redevelopment interventions that work entirely with recycled material. In addition, as the two major goals of this project are to maximize sustainable production and to empower the acquisition of professional skills for asylum seekers and other low-income populations in Rome, volunteers will also be working side by side with migrants, refugees and asylum seekers, as well as people with disabilities and the elderly. Volunteers will work 3 to 5 hours a day, 5 days a week. On the weekends, they will also have the opportunity to explore Rome, immerse themselves in Italian culture and even take some weekend trips to other parts of Italy such as Naples and the Amalfi Coast.
This minimum 2-week and maximum 12-week experience starts at $1,645 for two weeks ($118/day). The trip is led by IVHQ, a volunteer travel company with 338 projects in 50 countries, rated #1 Volunteer Travel Company by Go Overseas 7 years in a row. It is a cost-effective option with some programs as low as $20 per day with accommodation and meals included. They are a Certified B Corporation, 100% carbon neutral and every project aligns with a UN Sustainable Development Goal.