“I really wanted to stay longer but a fellow student called me to return to Cairo since work at university had started. This was a most unusual trip that I had. It is an important experience that I really recommend to others. It is like a full self development and increasing your knowledge about living in an ecological way.

Rūdaynā Riḍā [Rodyna Reda] was the first Egyptian intern to experience Camilla Ainley’s health farm in Siwa oasis through the Center for Arab-West Understanding.

Camilla Ainley described work of interns at her farm as “a very diverse experience. It basically involves helping me run an organic farm in a tribal community and a family house aiming at self sufficiency. The two children are home schooled and we all live very close to the earth. This is the kind of experience which needs an interest in alternative lifestyles, nature and ecology. For people who think outside the box and are willing to use their initiative in a very physically demanding environment.”

Rodyna Reda, the first Egyptian intern on Camilla Ainley’s farm, only stayed between September 30 and October 6, 2016. This was much too short. Camilla Ainley wrote “There is too much to learn on the farm to be really productive in a short period of time plus the kids (of Camilla) need someone here for longer to build a more secure relationship with them.” Thus applicants for internships are welcome but they need to commit to at least one month of work.

Rodyna wrote about Camilla: "She influenced me and my thoughts about life, including decisions I need to make because what she shared shaped my beliefs and my personality. She is an amazing person."  You want to read more of Rodyna's opinions? Read more.