Visit to A Globally recognized rural school

Education is not only a vital part of an individual's life but is also significant to the development of society. In a world where societies are facing various issues, including education, we need schools that not only offer academic excellence but also address the social and environmental challenges of their community. It's a pleasure to share my experience of visiting a small school in Pueblo Olivera that has been recognized as a finalist for The World's Best School Prizes 2023.

After a good night's sleep and a hearty breakfast, we were all ready and refreshed for our new adventure. The driver from ANEP came to take us to an amazing rural school No. 67 in Pueblo Olivera that has two teachers and 20 students. It was an hour and a half drive to this rural school, and along the way, we saw incredible lush green farms with lots of sheep, cows, and horses. The children and teachers were ready for us, and some of them were dressed up for Uruguayan team since Uruguay is in the finals of the football.

 As we arrived at the school, we were amazed to see all the work that this school is doing. Pablo Santurio, the teacher at this school, was an awesome and dedicated teacher. After our introductions with students and teachers, they proudly showed us their future model of the school, which they designed themselves. The huge model had so many details and was battery-operated. The base of the model was made with recycled mate, which showed the school’s commitment towards the environment.

 It's inspiring to learn how Pablo, a teacher at this small school, directed his efforts towards addressing a critical issue in his community. The water in their town was contaminated, leading to severe gastrointestinal issues for the students and residents. Pablo and his team immediately launched a project to detect the source of water contamination, and with support from partners and volunteers, they installed a purification pump. This initiative not only helped the school and the community but also raised the awareness of the importance of water quality. The school's project has now been recognized globally, making them a finalist for The World's Best School Prizes 2023.

 The school's success story is not limited to its community. It was impressive to meet Staphaine Kurtz, a Fulbright English Teacher Assistance (ETA), who has been teaching English to students and teachers. Staphanie's presence in a remote area like Pueblo Olivera gave me another level of respect for the Fulbright program's role in promoting global education. The Fulbright ETA program provides opportunities for students and educators worldwide to exchange knowledge and ideas, fostering mutual understanding and leadership skills.

The school welcomed us warmly, and I had the opportunity to present about my school and community back home. The students were thrilled to know about my school community and watch my videos on YouTube. This made me think that these exchanges were an excellent opportunity for us to learn from each other, expanding our knowledge and cultural awareness.

 Later in the afternoon, we joined the children for lunch, which was a delicious freshly made shepherd pie and fish. The salad was filled with beets, carrots, lettuce, and onions and tasted amazing! We enjoyed our meal and the company of the children and their families before taking part in the afternoon activities.

 The children started to play football using an empty plastic water bottle while some of the families helped make scarecrows for the schools' vegetable garden. It was wonderful to see the community and family involvement with the school. It was so fulfilling to witness everyone working together, contributing to the school's growth, and celebrating its success.

 As the day came to an end, we had to say goodbye. Tears filled our eyes, and it was challenging to leave such a special place behind. We left feeling grateful for the beautiful day and inspired by the people we had met. I will never forget the profound and touching experience we had at Rural School No. 67 in Pueblo Olivera. This special school again reminded us to appreciate the small things in life and always look for ways to support and uplift others. The teachers, children, and their families are a stunning example of the kind of community spirit and dedication that move mountains.