At the count of three, holding hands and with a great cry of joy, they threw themselves into the pool. The joy was much greater than the grade of an exam, as they were also celebrating a great year of work and shared knowledge, solidarity and friendship.
During the year, the students at Pacheco learn about agroecology, theory and practice at the same time, and the time comes for teachers to evaluate the knowledge they have acquired.
Learning about cultivation processes, beneficial associations, pest and weed management, transpiration of plants and water needs, among other things, will enable them not only to replicate the experience, but also to teach new students in the workshops next year.
Many young people who complete this workshop did not finish high school and many have no confidence in their ability to study and perform in written exams. For this reason, the test, which everyone passed with good grades, helps them to continue thinking about their future and to gain trust in themselves.
Probably they won't become farmers in their future, but if they learn to value the land, to work as a team, to study and to materialize and think about food without pesticides as an alternative way of life, then it is possible we can all build a better world to live in.
Congratulations to all the young people at Pacheco Project!