Eduwwoof Proposal
The Proposal
The proposal was for an optional scheme to be made available for WWOOFers that records and recognises the variety of learning they receive while WWOOFing. Some form of log book would record daily learning with contributions from both WWOOFer and their host. It was suggested that there be a requirement for a minimum period of time. This proposal was published in the winter 2008 newsletter.
The Consultation
The results of the consultation were somewhat mixed. People pointed out the positive aspects of this proposal:
- The scheme is a way to recognise the learning that happens while WWOOFing.
- The log book would quantify what has been learnt, and could be used for future studies, employment etc,
- The scheme would help WWOOFers to cover a broad variety of biological growing techniques.
On the other hand there were some concerns raised:
- Some hosts felt that a scheme like this would tend to make WWOOF too formal and prescriptive. “People go WWOOFing to get away from paperwork!”
- Others commented that WWOOF works well just as it is and care needs to be taken not to interfere with what is really a low-bureaucracy system.
Some people thought that the scheme was going to be compulsory which was not the case – WWOOFers would opt in if they wish to.
A Pilot Project
Where to from here? How can we build on the positive aspects while addressing the concerns raised? Some suggestions have been to invite a group of interested hosts to run a trial project. This group could jointly develop the following:
- A list of topics to be “achieved” e.g. composting, propagation, harvesting/preserving/drying, biological pest and disease management, weed management, seed saving, EM, organic/ethical livestock management, no-dig, raised bed, intensive methods, heirloom/heritage varieties etc.
- How the log book could be managed, what it should include, assessment of the log book at the end of the period.
- How long the period should be.
- What the scheme should be called.
This group could also look at ways to prevent people becoming confused between this scheme and good-old WWOOFing. Can the scheme maintain a certain level of separation while being supported and promoted by WWOOF?
If you think you would be interested in being on this team please contact support@wwoof.co.nz for further information.
who wants this scheme??? it should go straight to the compost bin!
Keep the wwoof simple, In the many years I have been a wwoof host, only a very very few woofers have expressed any desire to do anything other than have a fun time and learn a little about growing their own food.
I agree with Tony, to me this scheme sounds, at best, unecessary and at worst dangerous!
Before being a host I had been a wwoofer in various places and learnt heaps that now helps me on our own place, however, as a wwoofer the last thing I wanted was to be part of a formalised training system. There are lots of these all over the world that do a pretty good job of teaching all sorts of skills in all sorts of ways, what I wanted was to see what people actually end up doing.
From a host’s perspective I also worry about this scheme. We now only take wwoofers who express an interest in what we have going on (we just find we are more likely to get on with these people, they are more likely to enjoy themselves and see their work as important). This means we get stuff done well, make wonderful friends and don’t feel like we’re running a cheap B&B! My (selfish?) worry would be that many of these interested people would be less likely to visit hosts who were not part of eduwwoof thinking that if they want to learn that is the only way. We would not join such a scheme but love to pass on what we are learning and help people who stay with us find out more about the things that interest them.
I guess I feel that perhaps wwoof in NZ is a little confused about what it wants to be. I have always thought that its educational aspect was one of its strong points, along with its flexabily and simplicity. Maybe if the distinction between wwoof as connected to organic farming, growing etc and wwoof as ‘cultural’ exchange, cheap farmstays etc was clearer many of the problems raised by both wwoofers and hosts in these forums could be avoided.
The jobs I have available vary tremendously depending on season and the capabilities and interests of the workers. I could write a list for them of tasks attempted but that is about all, unless they’d like a rating of 1-5 which seems to be against the sharing spirit of wwoofing.
I have some concern about hte experiences that some of our wwoof guests have that do not sound particualrly kosher. For example use of sprays, feeling that they are cheap labour on dubious organic farms or life style blocks. One example comes to mind, no organic food (Most of teh food was bought) or cleaners, no composting. The wwoofers did to them meaningless work of finding, in long grass, seedling trees that had not been marked. There was no emphasis on learning, just cheap labour. So may be a system such as that proposed would provide some checks for hosts who are not really into organics.