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 6/16/22

¡Hola compadres!

We started our fifth day here in Puerto Rico at 6:00 am with an early breakfast. We took the windy road to Adjuntas in the central region of the island. In the small town, we arrived at Casa Pueblo, an organization that deals with solving many important issues ranging from environmental damage to the economic issues surrounding so many in Puerto Rico. We got the privilege to hear from the founder of Casa Pueblo, Alexis Massol González, a truly special individual that is responsible for the success of Bosque Escuela La Olimpia. They grew from one follower to now 10,000 active supporters who fight for an alternative Puerto Rico. They have improved the community through the installation of over 1,000 solar panels. His dedication and passion towards fixing the planet in all aspects inspired the group in so many ways. After the phenomenal presentation, we were guided to El Bosque to explore the breathtaking landscapes that this island is full of. El Bosque also acts as an outdoor school full of beatuiful "classrooms," all of which were dedicated to helping people learn about the importance of nature. While our time was brief in the forest, our group felt connected to the land in a way that we had not yet experienced.






Eventually we made our way back to the bus, driven by a truly skilled driver who managed to navigate the tight corners of the mountain roads in a massive charter bus. We were taken to Centro Paz Para Ti, a separate organization that is dedicated to helping women directly who have been effected by domestic violence. Our group heard from a survivor and the other founders of the organization. They described their mission and their accomplishments in regards to women's rights such as abortion rights, filing for restraining orders, and even moving. They also have an impressive "huerto," or garden where they grow many foods to sell at their monthly women's market. 

After a lengthy ride back to San Juan we all went to a fun dinner full of laughs. We can't wait for what the final days of the trip has in stall for us!



Saludos desde Puerto Rico,

August and Dashiell

Comments

  1. C MarkoJune 16, 2022 at 8:36 PM

    Amazing! How wonderful that you were able to hear from people who are making a real difference in their communities and that you are able to see how work can grow from something small into something even more impactful. Very inspiring!

    ReplyDelete
  2. RcaragherJune 17, 2022 at 8:10 AM

    August and Dashiell, thank you for not only your summary of the action packed day but also how what you saw, encountered, heard and experienced reverberated in your minds and hearts. Amazing to think about Alexi Massol Gonzalez or Centro Paz Para Ti daily work times 365xs a year. Have a great Friday and wrap up on Saturday.

    ReplyDelete
  3. La Srta. DiederichJune 17, 2022 at 4:45 PM

    It has been amazing to see all of the connections that you are making with these organizations. I imagine that you will come back to campus full of ideas about conservation and economic development both in PR and in Pasadena.

    ReplyDelete

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