After taking a break for a few years because of safety worries, eighth-grade students from TCS are excited about their yearly trip to La Guajira starting again. They’re getting ready for another adventure where they can explore and help others.
For almost ten years, the eighth-grade trip to La Guajira has been more than just a school outing—it’s a life-changing experience that combines diving into different cultures with helping others. Students not only get to explore the area’s stunning scenery but also work together to raise money to support communities facing poverty and neglect.
“La Guajira serves as our classroom without borders—a place where our students not only learn about the world but also discover the transformative power of compassion and collective action,” William Pulgarin, Middle school principal, said.
Despite logistical challenges, the journey to La Guajira is vital for TCS’s global citizenship curriculum, emphasizing cultural immersion and social responsibility. Students learn safety measures to address concerns and build resilience and empathy, while careful planning ensures their safety and enables embracing diverse experiences.
“The journey to La Guajira is a testament to the resilience and determination of our students. It’s an opportunity for them to apply their classroom learning to real-world challenges and make a difference,” Pulgarin said.
This year’s trip is crucial as students come together to support Escuela Arema, a nearby school facing resource shortages. Their determination to assist showcases their dedication to making a difference. Through fundraising and teamwork, they aim to empower students to pursue their educational goals confidently.
“We recognize that education is the basis of social progress. By supporting Escuela Arema, we are investing in the future of the kids.This year we were able to collect 30 bicycles, Study materials for 64 students, 15 million pesos to renew their school facilities, and we were able to connect the whole school to support this movement, ” grade eight social studies teacher Luz Miriam Arango said.
Eighth-grade students at TCS are rallying for Escuela Arema’s funding by organizing bake sales and snack stands. Despite their efforts, they’ve only secured 60% of the needed funds for durable furniture. Community support is urgently needed to bridge the gap and ensure quality education for Escuela Arema students.
“Our efforts to get the money have demonstrated the power of what we can do together as a group. But, we cannot achieve our goals without help from the whole TCS community,” grade eight Elisa Velez said.
TCS community rallies, urging 10,000 pesos donations each to support Escuela Arema. They emphasize collective impact, believing even small contributions matter. Together, they aim to enhance educational opportunities and empower students.
“Our students embody the spirit of service and empathy. Together we can transform the hopes of Escuela Arema,” Hilda Cock, grade 8 mom, said.
Every donation, regardless of its amount, represents a real commitment to the future of Escuela Arema, demonstrating the powerful impact of working together as a community and standing in solidarity.
“We all should work together to be agents of change. Together, we can create the path to a brighter future for the children of Escuela Arema and communities across La Guajira,” Cock said.