The following post features student writing.
Today we all split into groups and worked collaboratively to build some form of an extension to the school. The feeling of helping a community and being a part of something so amazing is so rewarding. I have never done anything like this before and this was not only a learning experience, but also a bonding experience. I hope one day to look back on these moments and remember that I did something important, that I was a productive member of a society outside of my own. At the end of the day, I reflected and realized how incredible it is that what we did in one day, these villagers do every single day of their lives. They do not have machines to do the work for them, so kids grow up learning how to manually work and help their families as well as the community as a whole. I am extremely taken aback by the big disadvantage they have as well as just how physically and spiritually strong all of these people are. I would not trade this experience…not even this day…for the world.
To end this blog, I want to recognize how hard everyone worked but also how nice it is to sit down with everyone at the end of the day and share a meal together. It is not only wonderful to do important work in a community like this, but also to be able to work with amazing people in this Putney group that I feel like I have known for so long.
– Giselle G.
The sound of a loudspeaker and screaming donkeys woke us up from our much needed sleep—our first day in the village began. We started off our work, which was building the building for preschool from scratch. The day started off well—we picked at the ground, shoveled, laid bricks, and sanded the building’s white walls. Our work finished just before the temperature increased a bit more; we played soccer with the locals and had our first go at a freezing cold shower. Our day ended well, too—all of us bonded and got to know each other, allowing us to develop a bigger sense of community. We can’t wait for another day of adventure!
– Luis
