By: Vincent Cochet, High School Student from Berlin, Germany
Hello, my name is Vincent and I am a 16-year-old from Berlin, Germany. I am volunteering with Ho’okua’āina for three months as part of a High School program that asks every student in my grade to volunteer abroad on a social project. The purpose is all about connecting with people from different cultures and collecting life experiences.
I found out about Ho’okua’āina from my host family and thought it was the perfect fit. I quickly got in touch with them and couldn’t wait to get started. On my first day, I was an hour late. I was very uncomfortable and expected a bit of trouble but it was quite the opposite. It was not because it was uncoordinated or undisciplined, they were just grateful that I was there to help. From then on I felt super comfortable and knew I was in good hands here. Over the weeks I have done all the different tasks in the lo’i and everything was explained to me with patience. The physical work in the lo’i is exhausting but I learn a lot. Of course, the work is also really fun and there is singing, laughing and talking. Each task is different but fun in its own way. The employees are the best and they are actually my first co-workers ever. From the beginning, they were super open and friendly to me. Our relationship changed from co-workers to friends in such a short time. They sometimes take me to the beach after work and I am super happy that I have found such people so far away from home… There is a really great working atmosphere here.
You have a lot of time to think about all kinds of stuff in the lo’i. It is almost like a meditation. My biggest takeaway from my work at Ho’okua’āina is to care for the ‘āina. The whole world is focused on getting higher and faster, and this place took a step back without ignoring the modern world. It’s about caring for the ‘āina in a traditional way and getting in touch with cultural customs and the community.
Every day I go there I am very excited and motivated because everyone appreciates each other’s work and tries their best. I really love working at Ho’okua’aina and putting my effort into this project. I think it’s a really cool idea and I will try to spread the spirit of this wonderful place around my environment.
