Can you introduce yourself?
My name is Alcebiades Arão, I’m originally from Angola but actually living in Germany. I participated in Volunteer Workcamp in Mittelrhein, conducted by SCI Deutschland from 07.04.2024 to 19.04.2024.

Why did you decide to volunteer?
I choosed this workcamp essential to gain valuable experience in the environmental field. My expectation was to learn about aspects related to the preservation of cultural landscape such as biotope and landscape maintenance, removing bushes, etc. In free time, culture exchange and visit new locations.

Can you describe your work/volunteering experience? What did you do at the workcamp/LTV?
During the two weeks of volunteering, we worked in the UNESCO World Heritage Upper Middle Rhine Valley in the legendary Loreley, in gardens and vineyards, on old hiking trails and in forests, on dry stone walls and in orchards.
– From 08 – 09 April 2024: We worked in gardens (meadow) to remove the invasive plant called Herbstzeitlose since it is poinsonous to all animals and humans.
– From 10 – 12 April 2024: we worked in the UNESCO World Heritage Upper Middle Rhine Valley in the area of the legendary Loreley, putting humus in charity trees.
– 13 April 2024: We had a guided tour in Kaub village, and we have visited the castle in Oberen Mittelrheintal.
– 14 April 2024: We had a picnic in Filsen (UNESCO World Heritage Upper Middle
Rhine Valley in the area of the legendary Loreley) and in the afternoon we hiked in Rund um den Niederwald.
– From 15 – 16 April 2024: We worked in vineyards, and we built dry stone walls.
– 17 April 2024: We had a guided tour in the forest.
– 18 April 2024: We worked on old hiking trails and in the forest for cleaning and building small bridges across the small river.

How did you feel during/after?
During the workcamp, everithing was as expected. There was 4 guys who studied at the same univercity as me, and the connection was literally easy. After the workcamp, I had a feeling of accomplishment and it was also possible to create a strong network with other participants.

What was the most challenging thing?
Cold weather was the most challenging aspect since I grow up in a region with a tropical climate.

How did you handle it?
Using the appropriate cloths for the season help me a lot.

What is your favorite memory?
The guided tour in the Kaub village was a remarkable moment since I could dive into the cultural similarities and differences between Germany and my Country (Angola).

What advice would you give to someone who wants to volunteer?
I would strongly recommend anyone to participate in volunteer works, especially in the environmental area since we have to leave the world a litlle bit better as we found it. Volunteer work gives also opportunity to gain valuable experience, networking, cultural exchange, visit new places, among others.

Would you participate again in a workcamp organised by SCI?
Deffinetly the answer is yes. Workcamps organized by SCI are very well strutured, with modern themes and adjusted to each contest. The team who support directly the volunteers is very professional and it is a plus for our motivation.