Exchanging knowledge of farming in Ecuador

Kristin Nelson, director of student activities at Flagler College, informed Historic City News that in April, she will be traveling with ten students on an “alternative break” trip to Ecuador; serving as their faculty adviser.

Flagler College students will be taking the “Sustainability in Ecuador ’11” trip from April 24th to May 6th.

The purpose of the trip is to aid people in the Amazon Basin of Ecuador, to build a sustainable garden that will produce food capable of supporting their future needs.

“The Shuar Indians are subsistence farmers and have a lot of knowledge about farming in the tropics and the complex ecosystem at the site,” Nelson told Historic City News. “By working side-by-side with the Shuar, our students will get a good insight into farming and agricultural systems in the tropics, as well as provide the Shuar with some new angles and techniques on farming.”

Nelson noted that “alternative breaks” have many positive outcomes for the students involved. The Flagler students will have an opportunity to learn about the Ecuadorian culture. “By dedicating their time, hands and hearts to a meaningful week of service, they not only greatly impact the people they encounter, but are also influenced on a personal level,” Nelson said.

“Our hope is that we will bring back what we have learned from the Shuar Indians and teach others these skills,” Nelson said. “This Alternative Break will enable us to create numerous partnerships on and off campus with organizations such as Slow Food First Coast, Ketterlinus Elementary School, City Sprout, The Flagler College Hunger Initiative and the Flagler College Student Government Association’s Green Committee.”

“Traditionally, many college and university students across the country have participated in alternative break programs during their spring, winter, summer and weekend breaks,” Nelson said. “Alternative breaks shape students into more educated and valuable members of society – people who value the community and strive to take purposeful action to make the world a better place.”

Funding for the alternative break will be provided, in part, by the Don’s Friends 5K Run-Walk being held on Saturday, April 9th, at 8:30 a.m. at St. Augustine Beach.

For more information on the alternative break trip, or to donate to the trip, please contact Kristin Nelson at (904) 819-6459

Photo credits: © 2011 Historic City News contributed facebook photograph