Volunteer exchange in Italy – Update July 2024

Hi all, we are Maria and Eusebio we’re working on the redevelopment of an olive grove where olive oil is produced. It’s been in the family for a few generations yet needs a little love and good energy to keep it going.
An ideal place in the south of Italy is Calabria; where people can find time to work and be involved in a project that is growing.

Currently, we are working on a few things simultaneously, such as a garden share for campers, fencing, building a second “outhouse” and so much more.
Any creative travellers would be welcome as well, building – painting etc

Some of the most wonderful treks can be found in this area, leading you to waterfalls, past villages and up the mountain.

As an individual(s) we encourage people to use their free time well. Take advantage and be proactive in getting to know the area. The locals here are rich in history, everyone has a story. Sit at the bar with the guys… go to a church service and feel what faith means to the locals here and of course get lost in the little vicoletti. (roads).

• JULY, AUGUST, AND SEPTEMBER are the times to embrace the festivities in Aspromonte and its surroundings. YOUR IMAGINATION IS THE ONLY THING THAT WILL LIMIT YOU

Here in Aspromonte, we are immersed in nature and the project is redeveloping a beautiful part where olive oil is produced.

As an Australian living in Italy, I loved the fact that there was so much you could do as a volunteer, and this is how my project has started. I started volunteering some years ago and loved the hands-on work and the interaction in which I had with locals. This is what I want to offer the volunteers that come here. An opportunity to experience and see a part of Italy which is rarely visited. To taste the wonders that we produce from the land, to observe a culture old and quaint as well as discover the mountain and waterfalls which surround this unique area.

What type of host are you?

• Private/Individual/family

What are you looking for help with?

• Building
• Cleaning
• Farming/Gardening
• General Help

What’s the mission of your community?

As an individual starting from scratch my mission is to share that which once was, to keep tradition and culture alive, but in a fun way. One where a project can branch out to other areas and involve individuals with the same taste, dreams and desires. My mission is to share and keep sharing what knowledge of the land there was and to incorporate better and more sustainable ways of doing things.

Not running a business and the produce/food is not for sale. If it is only for our own consumption.

I’d love anyone who could after this date who may want to continue this for the long term to contact me. Someone who is able to be somewhat self-sufficient and has perhaps a camper and is able to ….well, let’s chat.

How many volunteers could you host?

• A couple of volunteers

When would you need volunteers?

 It varies – yearly

How many hours of help per day?

• 4-5 hours of help per day

How many days of help per week?

• 4 days of help per week – 3 days off

Days of work can be discussed, and I am flexible, as should you be. Volunteers work 4-5 hours a day 4 days a week, and this is usually in the morning- dependent on weather.

Are accommodation and food included?

Yes, room and board are included

What type of accommodation can you provide?

Cleanliness in the apartment is really important. It is a shared space, even if you are the only one there. Things should be put away and clean ALL the time, kitchen and bathroom should be respected and cleaned after individual use. You will find most things in the apartment, yet your toiletries etc are your responsibility this includes toilet paper, make sure you do not run out.

Diet – nutrition information

Food is included for the days you work. The days off are each person’s responsibility, although I do try to supply as much fresh produce as possible. 90% of the time lunch and dinner are together. Yet, sometimes due to my schedule, I sometimes leave you to cook for yourselves. Most food requirements can be accommodated, but it is a good idea to keep in mind if you have allergies etc to bring your own or be prepared to buy special foods if needed. In saying this: most of the produce is grown, I do not cook meat nor do I buy it for volunteers, you may do so happily. This is a mountain area so you find the typical southern Italian cuisine; tasty and wholesome.

VISA – could you provide Visa support/info/invitation letters?

No! we cannot help with Visa/invitation letters – similar requests will be ignored.

Volunteers’ benefits:

The benefits are certainly that of culture and tradition. Depending on when you come you will experience different aspects of what goes on in this village tucked away in Aspromonte.

• Olive groves and the oil-normally from October -Feb (cleaning of land all year round)
• Tomato sauce (August)
• Pork sausages and its meat being cured (November – winter)
• The Italian vegetable garden (all year round)
• The wine and the picking of the grapes
• And so much more

What to do in the free time

Hiking, camping, horse-riding, off or on-road bike riding, relaxing, historical towns to be discovered and more that I can’t even think of.

Language

Italian and or English

Additional information for the Volunteers

Here in Aspromonte, we are basically surrounded by nature and the project is clearing a beautiful part in which project oil and….is evolving. The area is peaceful and a great place where people can find time to work on themselves and assist with the growth of the project.

Transport is minimal and for those who arrive it is important that they all understand that I am not always available, and being able to work autonomously is really important. This only means that I also work on other things at the same time.
Do your research on how to get around if you do not have a car or other means of transport. Walking is the main means of transport to the property, and a good pair of shoes and outdoor wear is needed. There are some fabulous guided tours around the area in which you can take part in, which are usually on a Sunday and affordable. approx 10-20 euro for a guided informative trek.

• https://www.facebook.com/Asproseby77
• https://www.facebook.com/mgoutdoor
• https://www.facebook.com/lilloaloiaspromonteinside/posts/170713884589629

(they usually speak Italian, some even English)

How to get to your site

We are remote, but you can get to us via bus from Reggio Calabria (this is one that arrives here in the afternoon) leaves Reggio at approximately 13:40 and gets here at about 16:00 a great bus ride via the coastal towns. Take note of these you may want to visit them on your days off. You can get to Gioia Tauro (RC) by train or bus and I can arrange to have you picked up it is approximately 28 km away. You may want to ride here if you have a bike or even get here by car.

We have two buses a day which depart early morning (05:30) to Reggio (ETA 07:50), it does connect with other buses, and one at 13:40 which arrives at 15:50. From Reggio Calabria the buses depart at 06:20-13:40-18:00 all from the stop across the road from Stazione Lido (near Cesere Ice Cream Parlour) they take approx an hour and forty to reach the Village.
NOT ON SUNDAY!

The town is Santa Cristina d’Aspromonte (RC) Southern Italy

Is there internet access?

Wifi is available at my home. The volunteer accommodation DOES NOT HAVE WIFI.

CONTACT DETAILS  🔍📧

Communication is really important, messages/ texts are not always answered.

I guess this gives you some idea of what we expect as people working together. Please feel free to ask any questions and when you are sure you would like to be part of the project, send me an email with your dates of interest and we can then speak via Facetime etc.

Contact me via mariacalipari AT gmail.com
you can also find me on Instagram or Facebook

Facebook Project Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/787131988728933

Hostname: Maria

See more volunteering opportunities in Italy 🇮🇹