Sustainable Farming
The main objective of this program is to care for environmental biodiversity while promoting sustainability, social inclusion, and creativity. Volunteers work with diverse groups, including migrants, refugees, people with disabilities, the elderly, and children, engaging in activities such as planting, weeding, watering, and caring for plants. Participants will experience life in Rome’s countryside while making a positive difference in the community and the environment.
Goals of this project:
- To care for environmental biodiversity
- Promote sustainability and social inclusion
- Build confidence in refugees and individuals with disabilities through professional skills development.
How You Can Help
Volunteers take part in a variety of hands-on activities, including caring for vegetable gardens, a nursery, a botanical collection of Mediterranean plants, and urban gardens. They also participate in creative craft workshops using recyclable materials and work closely with diverse groups, including migrants and people with disabilities. Additional activities include assisting with urban beekeeping and honey production, looking after farm animals, joining multicultural cooking sessions, and helping with events and the sale of handicrafts and food products. Through these experiences, volunteers gain practical skills, enjoy life in Rome’s countryside, and contribute to a socially inclusive and sustainable environment.
Volunteers on this project will contribute in a number of ways and can expect to undertake the following tasks:
- Planting, weeding, watering and caring for gardens.
- Assist with urban beekeeping and honey production
- Take care of farm animals
- Participate in cooking sessions
- Help with events and the sale of handicrafts and food products.
Requirements
Love Volunteers welcomes all those 18 years and over who wish to help empower refugees and individuals with disabilities while promoting sustainability. This project suits those with experience in the field of cultivation, though volunteers who simply wish to explore an interest in this field are also welcomed as there are many ways you can assist. Ideally, volunteers on this project will have at least a basic knowledge of the local language in order to communicate effectively with staff and students, though this is not a pre-requisite. Importantly, all applicants must first and foremost have a genuine willingness to help, show drive and initiative, and bring a positive 'can-do' attitude. If this sounds like you, we want you on the team!
Additionally, volunteers applying to join this program will be required to supply to following documentation:
- Emergency contact
Project Location
Rome is one of those places that somehow lives up to all the hype—and then surprises you anyway. Loud, beautiful, chaotic, and deeply moving, the city offers visitors the experience of walking through layers of history. Ancient Rome is everywhere: the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Pantheon are casually woven into daily life, where a 2,000-year-old ruin might sit beside a busy coffee bar.
At the same time, Rome, the capital of Italy, faces a range of social, economic, and environmental challenges. From a social perspective, the city struggles to support a growing number of migrants and refugees who require access to language education, job training, and social integration services. Recent economic downturns have also had a significant impact, increasing food insecurity among vulnerable populations.
Rome is ideal for those who love history, art, food, and places with real personality. It may not be polished, but it is unforgettable.
Start Dates & Duration
This project is available year-round and programs start on SUNDAY. Volunteers can choose to participate for periods ranging from 1 week to 6 weeks. Longer stays can be arranged directly with the local team, but will be subject to availability and individual visa conditions.
Spaces on this project are limited and therefore subject to availability. Early booking is recommended.
For current available start dates please check the calendar on the right.
Arrival & Orientation
Volunteers are met on arrival into Rome and taken to the accommodation to settle in. An orientation session is held on arrival to introduce volunteers to the culture and customs, language basics, safety guidelines and practical information as well as an overview of the programs and volunteer experience. A guided city tour is also included - perfect for getting to know Rome and meeting local staff.
- Arrival Day: SUNDAY
- Departure Day: SATURDAY
- Arrival Airport: Leonardo Davinci International Airport (code FCO) or Ciampino Airport (CIA), Rome
The airport pick-ups are available on Sundays between 7am and 10pm. Pick-ups can be arranged outside this time for an extra fee.
Accommodation & Meals
Volunteers stay at a centrally located hostel in female or mixed dormitories.
Bed linen and towels are provided.
Shared use of common spaces, rooftop, fully equipped kitchen and free WIFI.
Fees
That’s just USD 168 per day* for:
*In addition to the program fees listed above a Registration Fee is payable to secure your place. The registration fee is USD 299 for those volunteering with Love Volunteers for the first time or USD 149 for any subsequent volunteer placements. The registration fee includes: lifetime LV Alumni Membership, fundraising support & advice, dedicated pre-departure support, certificate of completion (on request), and exclusive access to the LV Trip Planner.
Some things are not included in the program fees listed above, such as flights, visas, vaccinations, travel insurance, additional foods and snacks, spending money, local transport, in-country trips and excursions, return airport transfer (unless mentioned above).
Please note that prices are subject to change without notice. Please ensure you have read the Love Volunteers Terms and Conditions & Refund Policy.