Grade 5&6 students from the Friends School of Haverford (PA) made their annual pilgrimage to Costa Rica, once again joining up with MFS students to visit the public school in San Luis. Small groups were formed with children from all 3 schools, often with our students translating between the Spanish-speaking local children and the American visitors (who are, it must be said, studying Spanish and were valiantly trying!)
Together, the children helped prep for the new public school year (which starts in February in Costa Rica – at MFS we choose to follow the American calendar of August-June). Desks were sanded and re-painted, rainbarrels painted for garbage and recycling, and walls scrubbed and painted. And of course, soccer and playground games were played. San Luis parents provided a delicious snack, including hot sugar cane juice.
The weekend before, Haverford students attended the Monteverde Friends meeting for worship, and of course a pick-up game of soccer with our children. They also enjoyed a school tour, getting to know new friends and a new environment.
While the contrast between the Pennsylvania and San Luis schools were obvious, it was also interesting to see how Monteverde Friends School falls somewhere in between, incorporating elements from both cultures and systems. Our students were proud to help out and reach out to new friends from both schools. Big thanks to the Friends School of Haverford for making the great effort and long trip to keep this connection alive.
