Update # 1:
Athenian students are having a fantastic time in Costa Rica! They are working hard and learning alongside community while participating in service work, activities, and exploring the traditions and cultures of Costa Rica.
They kicked off the service part of their trip working with the community and building composting areas for a local sustainable tourism site. They also had a charla (or conversation) with local leaders and staff about water conservation before jumping into their water-related conservation projects. The Athenian team built waiting pools to conserve water and landscaped the area using water-saving designs. As World Water Day was March 22, timing related to their water projects coincided well. To learn a little more about World Water Day, follow this link – http://www.worldwaterday.org/
The town of Palmichal Nacientes (aka water springs), where the group is staying, is very progressive and working towards environmental sustainability. In fact, this week they are receiving recognition for ecological responsibility from the Costa Rican government! Check out some details on Rural Agricultural Tourism – http://www.visitcostarica.com/ict/paginas/turismoRural.asp
Last night, the group learned how to make a traditional dinner at the home of a community member. After their cooking lesson, a youth-led organization (Asociacion Juventud) in town hung around to meet up with the Athenian students. It was really great for the all of the students to learn about one another and hang out together (and just be kids).
Today, the group started the day at a local farm where they had an opportunity to milk cows, learn about chickens and permaculture farming. They visited the composting sites and learned about how integral worms are in the process of breaking down organic matter. They also visited the methane digestors and learned how these green machines produce energy for the town. To learn more about the methane digestors, check out this link - http://www.ruralcostarica.com/costa-rican-spanish-word.asp?word=Biodigestor
Later today the Athenian group is continuing their culinary education with tortilla making and then planning the murals they will be creating at tomorrow’s fair, called Agua y Café . The theme is water, coffee, and nature.
We will update you with more details from our trip soon!