Today was “Aid and Development day” and the group’s main objective was to learn more about the importance of sustainability and to see a real-life example of it. Our first activity of the day brought us to a community in Constanza named El Chorro where we listened to our guest Speaker Carlos Corcino.  Carlos is the head representative of El Chorro and he has worked hard to reduce the crime in his community and create an environment where youth have mentors and someone to look up to.  Additionally, El Chorro used to have inadequate electricity and no community-wide water system. Carlos explained how leaders from the community were able to transform and develop El Chorro into one of the most prosperous community in Constanza with less crime and dependable water and electricity.  Later on in the day we enjoyed lunch and participated in small group discussions with community members to discuss ways we can help while we’re here.  We also discussed the next day’s theme of Living Like a Local where we will be asked to go without working water or electricity for the entire day.  We finished off the evening with “Explore Time” where everyone had a chance to explore town with a Global Glimpse Leader. One group played basketball with the town children while another group went around town in search of souvenirs. I found two colorful bracelets to take home to remember Constanza by.

One of the most powerful moments of the day for my peers and I was learning about how sustainability, financial aid, and development go hand in hand.   If any of these three components is missing, the system will break down.  Long lasting change only happens with an initial boost of support (aid), development (building structure), and sustainability (local ownership and process that last long-term).   I learned that without providing education and a sustainable plan towards action projects for communities, giving money can only provide limited aid. During Carlos Corcino’s speech he said, “Having time is much more precious than having money; time is priceless.”

It was incredibly eye-opening to see a community of individuals who struggle with poverty have so much optimism for change. Carlos Corcino himself was a inspiring leader and speaker who illustrated a strong presence and had very powerful words. His message was that we all can make a valuable contribution to world if we have the right mindset and a plan carry out our ideas. For me, El Chorro was a representation of change and development created from sustainable ideas and goals.

Here is us posing with Carlos Corcino. Big love to Carlos!

We lost to four 8-year olds.