PUERTO ALEGRIA
MEDICINAL GARDEN
Our first activity in this field study was Puerto Alegria, where we visited its medicinal garden. For those of us who hadn’t been there before, it was hard to know what to expect. However, once we arrived, the teachers and students greeted us warmly and took us on a short excursion through the school and to the garden. They made us feel immediately welcome and happy to be there.
After the visit, they invited us to enjoy music, dance, and fresh coconut water. Their effort to include everyone made us feel comfortable and at ease right away. It was the perfect introduction to the rural education system in the Amazon. Head Teacher Caroline welcomed us and guided us through the medicinal garden, a community-run project with everyone involved in its upkeep, parents and students involved in its maintenance.
One thing that truly stood out to me during my observations was how they seamlessly integrated an array of subjects—science, history, art, communication, sports, culture, and music—despite having access to very few supplies. This ability to blend different subjects showcased the community's resourcefulness and demonstrated their remarkable creativity. It was inspiring to see how they utilized everyday materials in ways to create engaging and educational experiences. Each subject related to the others, allowing for an approach to learning that felt efficient.