Leben mal anders- mit Gartenarbeit zur inneren Ruhe:

SDA MTV 02 Organic Farming - Ashram Yoga Centre
3 months during 01/04 - 30/10

PROJECT: The project is focused on organic gardening, as our farm is a certified farm following the principles of organic gardening, partly also biodynamic gardening and perm culture.
Organic farming means, that we use environment friendly practices, support biodiversity and protect the landscape. We do not use synthetic fertilisers to enhance our production and chemical substances to protect our crop from diseases and pests. Instead we use natural principles to increase the yields and resistance to pests and diseases as well. Fruits and vegetables produced in our garden are mostly used in our ashram kitchen. The volunteers will have opportunity to see the production from the field to the table. The goal of the project is enabling young people learn about healthier and sustainable way of farming (and living), give them opportunity to live in the countryside and perhaps motivate them for living a rural and more natural life. It offers the possibility of intercultural exchange and participation in organic movement. In addition our project gives the chance to spend some time in the spiritual environment of our ashram.
WORK: Our farm has 2-3 employees. The volunteers will help mainly in the vegetable garden, in the orchard and in the park. The volunteers will work 7 hours per day. The weekends will be free. Be prepared for sometimes demanding work outside (weather changes, sun).
LEISURE TIME: After work and on weekends the volunteers will have the opportunity to go for walks, visit sights or take trips to the surrounding countryside. In the Chriby hills it is possible to see ruins of the old Strilky castle and ruins of Cimburk castle (near Korycany), where some cultural events take place. The town Kromeriz with historical monuments on the UNESCO list is 25 km far away.
ACCOMMODATION/ FOOD: In a room (usually multiple-bed room) in the castle or in a building opposite the castle. The meals are provided in the castle. The food is vegetarian only (often Indian type).
LOCATION: The farm is located in the Mahaprabhudeep ashram - a spiritual centre of the organization "Yoga in Daily Life" with around 15 permanent inhabitants. It is situated in the small peaceful Moravian village Strilky, in the compound of an old village castle with a large park, an orchard, a vegetable and herbal garden. The ashram organizes various seminars about yoga and healthy lifestyle and camps for children. The village is located at the foot of the hills of Chriby, 25 km south-west from the town Kromeriz and is surrounded by forests.
The nearest town Korycany (3 000 inhabitants) is 6 km from Strilky.
NOTE: There are rules that need to be followed: no drugs, alcohol and smoking, no meat and eggs consumption in the ashram area.
REQUIREMENTS:
1. Flexibility, responsibility, sociability, patience and maturity
2. Interest in working in the garden, desire to gain experience; experience with gardening is an advantage
3. Good physical condition
4. Letter of motivation
5. Medical form
6. Good knowledge of English
7. Acceptance of our spiritual environment and vegetarian lifestyle (see the Note)
8. Interest in yoga is an advantage
Pocket money: 50 EURO/month