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| Work Away Program - Pranav in Spain |
Do you know about the concept of Work Away program? I guess, most people wouldn't be aware of such a program in our state of Kerala!
These kind of work cum new-place experience is common in Europe and elsewhere! When I asked ChatGPT about work away program, it gave me this answer:
The Workaway program is a platform that connects travelers with hosts around the world who offer accommodation and meals in exchange for work. It’s a type of volunteer exchange program, allowing travelers to experience local culture in a more immersive way while helping hosts with various tasks.
Anyways, thanks to Pranav, Mohanlal's son for exploring such an experiences early on in his life!
Work away is relevant for young people who can learn, explore and experience many new things early in their life. Unfortunately, the mindset of average mallus or Indians are on the typical study and job route.
Ask a typical parent or a young person in Kerala, about taking a break to do workaway program, and most likely they will tell you that it's a waste of time! Our general attitude towards such voluntary work or internship on an unrelated field or topic is of any value!
So, what most young people progress from school to college and college to a job. In between, they have the tuition classes!
- Get help with daily tasks or specific projects.
- Share their culture and life with travelers.
- Often build lasting friendships and networks.
How in this world will they know of other system, work ethic, hardship, and the difficulty of facing such an experience.
Even the kids from privileged background do not seek such route! It's a SHAME!
I feel the concept of education, learning system needs a big re-wamp in Kerala!
Here's the alternative path that should be given to students! Here's my plan!
After graduation, every student should go through a mandatory FREE service or internship in any industry of choice. This could be in a manufacturing plant, or a service industry, or in HR department of a IT office, or work as tester in Technopark, or work with a digital marketing agency or a work at Vizhijam port, or work with Kerala Tourism dept, or volunteer at RCC or Medical College or spend time helping public at Village Office or support staff at Keltron, etc,
The whole idea of such an experience is to give students an insight into the working of different organization, get an inside-view of the work, and provide them with the fodder for growth!
Sadly, the trend out here is clear - after graduation or masters, apply for courses at various universities in UK or Canada or US or Australia or Europe. Earn a degree and try some means to settle to settle in that foreign land!
How Can Kerala Benefit from Workaway Program?
A Workaway-style program in Kerala, where foreigners exchange labor for food, accommodation, and cultural experiences, can be a great way to boost tourism, cultural exchange, and promote sustainable development in rural and estate-based industries like farmhouses, tea estates, rubber plantations, and areas near forests.
Kerala’s rich natural beauty, biodiversity, and cultural heritage make it an ideal location to attract international volunteers who are looking for meaningful experiences over monetary compensation.
Steps to Attract Foreigners to Work in Kerala
Here’s how Kerala-based farmhouses and estates can attract foreigners to work and contribute their skills:
1. Highlight Unique Experiences
Cultural Immersion: Promote the chance to live like a local, learn about Kerala’s unique culture, cuisine, and traditional practices.
Sustainability Focus: Position Kerala’s farmhouses and plantations as eco-friendly destinations where volunteers can contribute to sustainable farming, coir development centres, organic cultivation, and environmental conservation.
Biodiversity and Adventure: Emphasize Kerala’s proximity to lush landscapes, wildlife sanctuaries, and forests, offering a mix of adventure and tranquility.
Skill Exchange: Promote opportunities for volunteers to use their skills (e.g., in marketing, handicraft, permaculture, orchid farming, eco-tourism, or digital work) to bring innovation to local businesses while gaining new practical skills in farming, forestry, etc.
2. Create Compelling Work Packages
Flexible Work Hours: Offer structured yet flexible work hours that allow volunteers to enjoy their time off by exploring nearby natural or cultural attractions.
Local Accommodation: Provide volunteers with cozy homestays or eco-lodges that offer authentic Kerala living experiences.
Work Variety: Offer a variety of activities—ranging from agricultural tasks like harvesting and planting, to more niche skills like social media management, photography, or setting up eco-tourism initiatives.
Personal Development: Promote the personal growth aspects of the program—volunteers can learn new languages (Malayalam), acquire knowledge about tropical agriculture, or even yoga and Ayurveda during their stay.
3. Market the Program Internationally
Online Platforms: Utilize popular work exchange platforms such as Workaway, WWOOF (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms), or HelpX to list opportunities.
Social Media Campaigns: Use social media to showcase the beauty of Kerala’s landscapes, farm life, and volunteer experiences through blogs, vlogs, and testimonials from previous participants.
Partnership with Travel Influencers: Partner with travel bloggers and influencers to create authentic content that resonates with global audiences.
Collaborate with Universities: Partner with universities abroad to offer internships or work-study programs that count toward academic credit. ( Kerala University, MG University, Calicut University, Cochin University)
How to Screen Applicants
Given that these volunteers will be living and working closely with local hosts, screening is essential to ensure a positive and safe experience for both parties. Here’s how Kerala farmhouses and estates can screen applicants:
1. Application Process
Online Application Form: Require potential volunteers to submit an application that details their experience, skills, and motivations for joining the program.
Skill-Based Selection: Ask applicants to highlight their skills (e.g., marketing, agriculture, photography, eco-tourism development) to match them with specific projects.
References and Background Checks: Request references from past volunteer programs or employers and conduct a basic online background check to verify applicants’ history.
2. Pre-Selection Interviews
Video Interviews: Conduct video calls to get to know applicants better, assess their communication skills, and understand their motivations.
Experience-Based Questions: Ask about their prior workaway experiences, how they handle cross-cultural environments, and their ability to live in rustic or rural conditions.
3. Trial Periods
Trial Stay: Offer a trial period for volunteers where both parties can assess whether they are a good fit for each other before committing to a longer stay.
Benefits of Workaway Programs for Kerala Farmhouses/Estates
A well-run work-away program can offer a range of benefits to Kerala's farmhouses and estates:
1. Access to Global Talent
Innovative Ideas: Volunteers from different backgrounds bring diverse perspectives and can introduce new ideas—whether it’s in farming methods, digital marketing, or even tourism development.
Marketing Support: Volunteers with skills in photography, content creation, or social media can help document and promote the farm/estate online, attracting more visitors.
Language Skills: International volunteers can help with language skills or translations, making it easier to reach a global audience.
2. Low-Cost Labor
Farm Work: Volunteers can assist with daily farming tasks such as planting, weeding, or harvesting, easing the labor burden on the estate owners.
Eco-Tourism Projects: Workaway participants can contribute to setting up eco-tourism initiatives, such as guided tours, farm stays, or yoga retreats. Such as Tenmala Eco Tourism Project, Neyar Dam and similar other projects.
3. Cultural Exchange
Mutual Learning: Local farmers and volunteers can exchange knowledge, whether it’s about organic farming techniques or global trends in eco-tourism.
Building Connections: Hosts can build long-lasting relationships with volunteers, who may become brand ambassadors for the farm or estate, promoting it in their home countries.
Areas Where Workaway Programs Can Work in Kerala
Here are some specific areas in Kerala where a workaway program could thrive:
1. Tea and Coffee Plantations (Munnar, Wayanad)
Activities: Tea picking, coffee harvesting, eco-tourism development, and marketing support for local tea brands.
Skill Requirement: Marketing, eco-tourism knowledge, and digital skills like content creation.
2. Rubber Plantations (Kottayam, Pathanamthitta)
Activities: Tapping rubber, learning about the processing of natural rubber, tree planting, and sustainable agricultural practices.
Skill Requirement: Agricultural knowledge, eco-friendly farming practices, and sustainability promotion.
3. Organic Farms (Kasaragod, Palakkad)
Activities: Organic farming techniques, farm-to-table projects, building eco-lodges for visitors, and handling farm stays.
Skill Requirement: Permaculture, organic farming, and hospitality/tourism management.
4. Ayurvedic Resorts/Farms (Kumarakom, Kovalam)
Activities: Assisting in growing medicinal plants, developing wellness programs, promoting Ayurveda tourism.
Skill Requirement: Health and wellness expertise, Ayurveda knowledge, or eco-tourism marketing.
5. Wildlife Sanctuaries (Periyar, Wayanad)
Activities: Conservation work, wildlife tracking, setting up eco-friendly tourism models, and promoting forest-based adventures.
Skill Requirement: Conservation, eco-tourism, and wildlife expertise.
6. Homestays and Eco-Lodges (Backwaters, Alleppey)
Activities: Helping to build eco-friendly accommodations, assisting with hospitality, marketing the experience globally.
Skill Requirement: Construction, eco-friendly design, hospitality, and digital marketing.
7. Work with Weavers, terracotta works and Handicraft Units
Activities - Helping weavers in weaving unit, working to market their product, assist in distribution and adding value to their products by suggesting new designs,
Conclusion
By tapping into the global workaway trend, Kerala can offer a unique combination of cultural immersion, eco-tourism, and skill exchange. Hosting foreigners in exchange for their expertise can improve local businesses, diversify marketing, and create meaningful partnerships. With the right marketing, screening, and thoughtful planning, a workaway program in Kerala can attract the right kind of foreign talent, enhancing local estates and tourism-based businesses in the region.
The above points where generated by ChatGPT! Thanks to such application, people like me are able to explore new ideas and concept, hitherdo unknown!
P.S - What if each university creates a program which will give students an option to join any of the free workaway program.
What if our career councilors suggest fresh graduates to join for such programs in places like Spain and elsewhere ( This could be an option for kids from high-income background)
( Here's the link and listing of workaway options in Kerala. I was pleasantly surprised to see these listing on the site. So, it's evident that there are early adoptors of this site. Our hope is that it gets more popular! Site Link
check this link too https://www.workaway.info/en/host/773438584365
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