My Cultural Excursion to the Ruins of Trujillo, Peru with a local school
Today, I’m thrilled to share a slice of my cultural journey as a traveling teacher, where my passion for education meets my love for travel. While lately, I’ve kept my work school visits at a minimum due to my busy exploration of the vibrant landscapes of South America (including a memorable road trip through the desert to Punta Gallinas, the northernmost point of the continent), I did seize the opportunity to meet with teachers and students of I.E.P.C SEMILLITAS DE JESUS.
I consider it a privilege to immerse myself in diverse cultures, creating a truly enriching experience for both myself and the students I engage with. So, without further ado, I want to share my recent visit to the historic ruins in Trujillo, Peru, and my interactions with the students of I.E.P.C SEMILLITAS DE JESUS.
Embracing Cultural Immersion
One of the most remarkable aspects of my recent journey has been the opportunity to interact with local schools like I.E.P.C SEMILLITAS DE JESUS. This educating institution comprises kindergarten, primary as well as secondary level. The students participate in various projects and festivities around school life, especially emphasizing Christian values but also cultural understanding of the world.
As most Peruvian schools take their students to historic sites around the country, I.E.P.C SEMILLITAS DE JESUS chose to visit the “Huaca de la Luna” ruins in Trujillo. It’s their way of embracing history, offering kids hands-on lessons in their very own backyard.
Nestled in vibrant Trujillo, Peru, ‘Huaca de la Luna’ is an adobe pyramid that embodies the ancient Moche civilization. Thriving from the 1st to the 8th century, this sacred site, also known as the ‘Temple of the Moon,’ boasts intricate murals. Every brushstroke weaves tales of rituals, beliefs, and artistic brilliance, offering glimpses into an ancient world. It’s a living canvas bridging civilizations, allowing us to peer into the lives and customs of those who once trod these hallowed grounds.
Unveiling History and Culture
The Trujillo ruins stand as a testament to Peru’s rich history and culture. These ancient remnants, weathered by time, hold stories that textbooks can only attempt to convey. Consequently, historians often disagree on the events that transpired on these historic sites many years ago.
Nonetheless, I believe it’s important to introduce children to these significant sites and encourage them to employ their own thinking. Thus, they draw knowledge from what they’ve learned in school, their families, and their personal understanding. Through visits to such historic sites, students forge a tangible connection to the past, deepening their comprehension of history.
My mission is to ensure that every student develops critical thinking skills and a global understanding of the world. It’s crucial to enable them to think independently. During my visit with I.E.P.C SEMILLITAS DE JESUS, I observed that their teachers genuinely care about the well-being and knowledge development of their students.
A Cultural Exchange to broaden Perspective
Experiencing diverse cultures firsthand has a profound impact on students’ perspectives. While I’ve had the pleasure of meeting students from various schools before, this encounter with Peruvian children left a unique and lasting impression on me. I believe that our joint visit to the ‘Huaca de la Luna’ ruins was a memorable experience. Additionally, it offered a valuable teaching opportunity for the students of I.E.P.C SEMILLITAS DE JESUS.
Engaging with teachers, and indeed individuals from other countries, prompts students to challenge assumptions and expand their horizons. These encounters foster open-mindedness and equip them to thrive in an interconnected global society.
Exploring the Peruvian School System
Having previously visited schools in Peru, I uncovered distinctive elements within their educational landscape. As I compared and contrasted these with other countries’ education systems I’ve experienced firsthand, valuable insights emerged regarding alternative educational methods.
If you’re curious to learn more about Peru’s school system, I invite you to read my earlier blog post from this year. There I’ll discuss the distinctions between the private and public sectors, and the types of schools that attract expat families.
Cultural Learning and Collaboration
The excursion to Trujillo was more than just a field trip; it was a collaborative learning journey. Students from different backgrounds united in their excitement to learn and explore. Collaborative experiences like these fostered teamwork and forged lasting connections.
Thank you to the teachers and students of I.E.P.C SEMILLITAS DE JESUS for sharing this experience with me.
The magic of visiting historic sites lies in its ability to transcend subject boundaries. From history to geography and art, students gain insights across various disciplines. This cross-curricular approach nurtures a well-rounded education.
Personal Reflections on this Cultural Trip
My heart swells with gratitude as I reflect on my time spent with the students of I.E.P.C SEMILLITAS DE JESUS. Their curiosity knew no bounds as they eagerly asked about my home in Austria and the languages we speak. Their interest and warmth were truly heartwarming.
These experiences are more than just travel; they’re seeds of personal growth and global awareness. They ignite a curiosity that encourages students to explore beyond their immediate surroundings and embrace the diversity of our world.
Continuing the Journey: Nurturing Curiosity and Creativity
My journey as an academic coach and traveling teacher has been a rewarding tapestry woven with diverse cultures, and the joy of learning. From my excursion to the Trujillo ruins with the students of I.E.P.C SEMILLITAS DE JESUS, I’ve witnessed the transformative power of education that extends beyond borders.
As my path winds forward, I find new avenues to kindle the flames of curiosity and creativity in young minds. In addition to my travels and classroom interactions, I’ve had the pleasure of creating coloring books designed to nurture children’s creativity. These books, crafted with engaging illustrations, not only provide a source of artistic exploration but also stimulate imaginative thinking. This is a key ingredient in fostering independent thought. Check out my collection here!
I hope you enjoyed following my historic and cultural journey in Trujillo, Peru. If you are a parent or student looking for more information, keep reading below!
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