Not every service trip involves a hammer and nails and paint. Ten students traveled to Costa Rica this month to listen and to understand.
From San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica, Siena students met with Nicaraguan refugees, namely students, who fled their country because of violence and unrest. They visited La Carpio, an impoverished community of Nicaraguans living just outside of San Jose, and they met a local LGBTQ activist and artist who shared her story and experiences living in Costa Rica.
The service learning and advocacy trip explored themes of migration, poverty, and housing. The students listened to the stories and experiences of their hosts and guides. They were encouraged to stand with them and to reflect on their lives and circumstances.
Half the week was spent in San Jose and half was spent in Longo Mai, a community located in the heart of the rainforest. They marched through the cocoa fields and sugarcane fields, they attended a chocolate making class, and learned the salsa. Some students played soccer with members of the neighborhood, others cooled off in the river running through the community. Oh, and there were some hammer and nails. The students provided some construction work helping to build the foundation for a new meeting space next to the community's church.
"Our trip offered us the opportunity to learn more about the culture of Costa Rica and all of Latin America. By meeting with refugees, activists and marginalized citizens, as a group, we were able to paint a more accurate and honest picture of the everyday lives of so many Costa Ricans."
Ben Hunter '20
