Day 10: Our Final Day at Yachana

January 13, 2011

By: Rithu Raman

Once our stomachs were full from breakfast (we had a choice of fried eggs or granola with milk), we were ready to begin the morning’s activities. Today we helped the Yachana high school students with their minga, or community-building activity where the students help with the upkeep of the school. Once we completed our routine walk to the school, we were split up into two groups. One group of us carried gravel from the Napo River bank to the high school, while the other group leveled out the school’s yard with dirt. It was the perfect opportunity to mingle with the students, while simultaneously helping out the school. One thing that was definitely a common factor was music - a group of students and volunteers sang together as we worked away.

Regina and a student carrying bags of gravel from the river to the school.

Stacy getting some much needed water! It was hard hot work.

The group working hard to level the school yard.

Nick's promoting Green NYU on his shirt.

Michael entertaining the group.

Look at that leaf!! It's great shelter from the sun!

After quite the morning workout, we were treated to a delicious lunch. We had an assortment of vegetables- radishes, mushrooms, peppers, onions- with rice on the side. And for dessert, we had bananas covered with chocolate sauce. YUM!

After lunch, we had a free afternoon, which consisted of several activities. Some of us laid out in the sun deck, while others took a nap (including myself!). After being well-rested, we rehearsed The Lorax, which was produced by Stacy and to be performed for the high school students at night.

Once we scarfed down our dinner- carrot soup, jungle pizza (the group favorite), and chocolate cake- we were ready to perform at the Yachana High School! Once we reached the school, we could feel the excitement from the students. They were especially excited to be participants in our play, since some parts required volunteers. Mchael’s rendition of the Lorax character was an audience favorite in addition to his intense, funny dynamic with Stacy’s take on the Once-ler. Everyone helped to make the play a great success! Once the play ended, we cleared the room for our Going Away Event. First, several students performed a traditional Quichua dance and encouraged us to dance with them. Then, it was our turn to teach them some of our moves!