Hello all! This is Grace, the first student leader del dia. Today was Global Business Day, so we structured our day around answering this question: what responsibility do agro-export companies have to give back to the local community.
We did this by venturing to a local farm in the nearby city Tireo owned by Juan Suriel. His farm took me by surprise because when I was told we were visiting a “local farmer” I imagined a sole farmer working in his garden with maybe a few animals but instead we were able to see large crops of lettuce, tomatoes, celery, cucumbers, and much more. One of the farmers talked to us about not only the planting process, but about selling locally vs. exporting goods and a farmers relationship with exporting companies. I really enjoyed learning about local farming but the greenhouses we talked in were very, very hot.
After a delicious lunch of beans, rice, meatballs, and potato salad we visited World Agro Market, an exporter of produce with its main site based in Constanza. Here we learned about the process of exporting cucumbers, the employees of the business, and where all of the cucumbers go (including the fact that many if the cucumbers we saw would later end up in New Jersey!).
This day was also very exciting because we had our first English classes! After getting into groups with another glimpser and a teen ambassador from the DR and planning a lesson we headed to the local school to have our first class. This was very fun and rewarding for all but was not without its challenges. A few groups (mine included) had planned for an advanced class but ended up teaching a beginning class. I do not know Spanish so communicating with a class that didn’t know English required some creative actions but thankfully the Spanish speakers really stepped up and taugh great classes. There is no question that both the teachers and the students are very excited for our next class.
Being El Leader Del Dia today was a challenging in some ways but also very rewarding in others, but it has also left me very tired. I’m ready to knock out, but before that ghost stories are being told and I don’t want to miss out!
-Grace
ps. Thank you for your wonderful comments! They mean a lot to those of us here.
Wow another full day! Thank you Grace for being so detailed in describing the day.. It almost felt like being a fly on the wall. Brianna I hope your feeling more comfortable speaking a loud in Spanish and I hope you’re enjoying your time there.
Hey Bri, your trip to the farm sounds better than the one I had for my first summer search trip, I’m so excited for you! I hope the teaching wasn’t too difficult for you and you were able to have a good time.
What a great description, Grace. Glad you are having a great time and able to think about global issues. I love your writing style, too. I wouldn’t want to miss the ghost stories, either.
Hello Grace and all. It seems as if you all are having the experience of your lives specially that your presence in Constanza is impacting the lives of many people who get to be blessed by what you do in there. I wonder if the farm you visited do the organic style or just the conventional way(pesticides included)? Or perhaps they are considering it? It would make Constanza even better I think. Please continue feeding us with your news and developments and we’ll continue imagining how would it be to be there with you all. Bianey we think of you every day and expect you to come back in good shape and with lots of pictures and your own personal stories and vivencias! Take care please. Roberto Saravia.
Hi Grace! Nice detailed description about your experiences so far. I’m curious if the type of fertilizers and pesticides was discussed by the growers and their seeds source. I think teaching English is going to be the highlight of your days. What is the age range of your students? Can’t wait to hear more of your wonderful adventure! Aunt Debbie, Uncle Eric, Annalise and Lauren
Grace!! ELDD first day, THAT IS AWESOME! You sound like you’re having a great time in Constanza, I can’t wait to hear about the rest of it when you come back!