The Liceo El Encuentro and FSE Come Together in Ciudad Bolivar
A gathering of students with neighbors
Bright grins and gasps of wonder characterized a day full of profound experiential learning.
Together with their teachers, 5th graders from the Liceo El Encuentro visited an organic community garden in Santa Viviana, a community in Ciudad Bolívar. There, they learned about the project from the group of children and elderly that have been developing the garden with the support of the Fundación as part of our program Embracing Peace (El Encuentro con la Paz).
The kids loved being outdoors where they could not only hear about the harvesting cycles and learn the names of the varieties of herbs and vegetables, but also see the different crops growing, and understand why it is so important to care for the environment. They were also able to encounter a different way of serving those in need while getting to know the neighbors in the community.
For the students, it was invaluable for them to hear from one of the leaders of the community garden, a 12-year-old girl, who spoke with conviction about facilitating a future of peace and productivity and trusting in God no matter the circumstances.
Later on, the kids had the opportunity to explore the mountain and see other community gardens. They ended up in the community dining room, where they learned about the realities of hundreds of families who benefit from the food program that FSE operates there. The students themselves closed the time by praying over the project and the people.
It was an inspiring as well as academic experience for everyone involved, integrating peacebuilding activities with the Christian message of hope, faith and service imparted to the students by the El Encuentro church.
While the community awaits the next Liceo student visit, the students excitedly murmur among themselves affirming their desire to return not just to receive but also to give, reciprocating the love they have received and in so contributing in a profound way to the human dignity of all involved.