Day 4 - Farm and School

 


After a hearty breakfast, we split into two groups: one group went to an organic farm while the other went to a local school. This is Cindy O, who is planting a tree at the organic farm.


This is the farmer, Daniel. He once worked on pineapple and banana plantations, which have resulted in health issues that persist to this day. He started the organic farm after realizing that using chemicals and pesticides on the plantations was wrong. He has been an organic farmer for 20 years, and his main crops are peppercorn and vanilla. 


In this photo, Brendon is playing with the schoolchildren. They all teamed up on him to tilt the seesaw.



In this photo, we engaged with the schoolchildren by dancing with them! Look at how much fun they’re having! So much joy!


After both groups gathered again from their excursions, we went down to the river to cool off and enjoy the sun.


Once we returned from the river, the group made posters outlining norms, values, goals, and concerns regarding the homestays and the trip as a whole.


Overall, everyone learned a lot, even though they were in different settings. At the farm, we toured around and learned about the benefits of organic farming and the issues with using chemicals. In contrast, the people who went to the school experienced something very different from Menlo, where many grades are in one classroom and the school has only one teacher. They engaged with the kids, and everyone had a lot of fun! See you tomorrow!

-Cole and Niko









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