Organization: Youth Challenge International

 

In the February of 2009, 10 students traveled to a small indigenous community in Silico Creek, Panama .The community consisted of 40 families with a total population of approximately 200.   While there, the team worked side by side with community members (who are part of the Ngobe Bugle tribe) on a project. The community had initiated this project after the depletion of fish resources and inflation had significantly affected their way of life. The team constructed huts and helped with a community cleanup campaign. All projects were carried out using local methods and tools.  These projects not only helped the community but brought two cultures together by sharing a common goal that made Ryerson students part of the community.

 

Food preparation was done mostly by the team as we took turns in pairs preparing breakfast and dinner. The team was also engaged in cultural activities such as hearing stories about the community’s unique history – by candle light no less! This was a particularly unique experience as Arcardio, a community youth leader, came to speak with us unexpectedly one evening after we had finished dinner. Together with Arcardio’s basic English, our basic Spanish, drawings, maps, patience, and curiosity, we spoke for hours sharing stories about our cultures.  We sat in awe as Arcardio shared his experiences growing up in Silico Creek. His stories were inspiring, unique, and deeply rooted in his culture making us appreciate and understand, and connect with him and each other in ways that are hard to describe. We participated in many rituals and outings that highlighted this unique and beautiful community. 

 

On the last day of the project the Ngobe-Bugle,  we took lots of group photos as the community came out for our farewell. As we were waiting for the bus to arrive that would take us on a ten hour journey through the Panamanian jungle, Arcardio started a name game/chanting circle as we waited, which created a tangible energy filled with excitement and sadness.  You could feel two cultures coming together through music and rhythm. The bus arrived, the chanting and singing stopped, and it was time to go.  When we got on the bus, a silence swept over the team as we quietly reflected on what we just experienced. And still now we are reflecting on just how significant it was for all of us.