Yesterday's adventure took us through the Botanical Gardens on a short hike known as "Jack's Walk." We began the roughly 45 minute long trek after work, which took us to the top of the mountain Morne Bruce. The top of the mountain overlooks the Caribbean Sea, and served as a fort for the English during colonial times. A lone rusted cannon gazing out to sea is the sole remnant of the English stronghold that once guarded over the island. Seeing the 7 foot long cannon made me wonder how many vessels have passed whiten range of the gun's mighty power, and how many more it brought to a watery grave. The view from the peak offers a stunning view of both the capital Roseau and the sea, and provided a nice escape from the bustling city life. Upon the return journey, we wandered through the gardens and discovered a ring of bamboo that was able to surround us in a shroud of shade. This was a cool relief from the early afternoon sun, and provided me with a unique photo op. Afterwards, we wandered back into town to purchase a tape measure for work, and also refuel with some ice cream. We then proceeded to walk to the other side of town to judge at the local primary school's 4H competition. The competitors competed in public speaking, choral speaking, and show and tell events all related to the concept of family farming. The presentations were interesting, and it was very fascinating to see the differences in schooling between the US and here. The school buildings themselves act as a barrier to a large courtyard where students can run and play. This outdoor style of school looks very appealing with the mountains in the backdrop, and definitely encourages exercise, a key component to curbing the obesity epidemic on the island.
The Climb
The Summit
Pointing out to Sea
Conquering Cannons
Inside The Bamboo Circle
Enterance to Jack's Walk AKA Temple of Doom
Today we woke up at 5:00 am to catch a bus for Portsmouth, the town on the far side of the island. Our destination was the Portsmouth Secondary School, a highschool where students in an entrepreneurship course are working to make coconut cheese and compete in our competition. Unfortunately, our bus made several unexpected stops, so we missed the general assembly we were supposed to speak at today. Lucky for us we still met with the students, and watched them make batches upon batches of coconut cheese. The students were excited to have us there helping them, and we stayed from 8 o'clock until 1 watching them make several batches. They're school's architecture follows a similar outside layout to the primary school, with a large courtyard in the middle surrounded by a wall of classrooms on the outside. The school seemed a little more laid back and social than the traditional highschool I attended, but none the less seemed to be teaching all the important subjects. Students attend school from 8 until 1, with a 30 minute or so lunch break in the middle. Classes sounded louder and slightly more rambunctious than typical american institutions, but I would attribute a large part of that to being in an outdoors environment. Overall, the school impressed me, and I had an enjoyable time with the students. We may return there later in the summer to check on how they are doing, and observe any changes they have made to their process.
The Primary School
After taking the busses home, I went for a walk in the local village. I met some boys (aged 13-early 20's) hanging out beside one of the small shops that dot the roadside in the village. After chatting with them for awhile, they mentioned how they hoped to open a bicycle store in Roseau, and how they needed to start a smaller business first to get enough money to stock a stores worth of bike parts. I plan to brainstorm a little to think of a small business venture that would be possible on the island. The excessive import tax makes starting a business reliant on foreign goods difficult, as many import taxes are upwards of 30% of the good's value, requiring much initial capital to start up. It is also difficult to capitalize on the island's abundant organic fruit, as you would first need a buyer and a way to package and ensure freshness and keep the fruits pest free. This leaves it difficult to find a service related business that is capable of inexperienced work.
Tomorrow we have another meeting with a coconut cheese manufacturer, and hope to attend the Dominica Vs. Canada World Cup Qualifying match in Roseua. It should prove to be a fun weekend, and I look forward to keeping you updated. Thank you for following along!
Michael Stewart
I believe the students were excited to have you in both schools. When I was teaching I remember seeing how attentive and engaged students were with visitors, especially those that were interested in the students and passionate about their subject. Knowing that you are paying attention to the work they are doing makes it seem very important to them, and that is a gift. I hope you do go back as I expect that will matter to the students. Were they interested in talking with you?
ReplyDeleteIs the primary school in session for a longer day than the secondary school? What are the students doing in the afternoon? I liked seeing the building. Thanks!
I remember the bamboo forest we found geocaching. That was a thrill! When I was in Hawaii with Dad we walked through a bambo forest and it was the sound that struck me. It was as if a musical instrument was playing gently as we walked through.
I love that those young guys are thinking how they can create a business even with all the restrictions and heavy costs. I remember reading a document before you left about the high import and export taxes. I really like the idea of you brainstorming and offering ideas and assistance. I imagine you need to that delicately in the beginning and create relationships so that your input is welcomed and appreciated. That is a way you can really making a strong impact on someone's life. Don't underestimate the powerful value you have within this short time. I'd like to donate financially to promising new business owners. This idea they have, to create a smaller, simpler business to start with sounds like a great school project for the high school students. If they had a teacher who could guide a project like that, and include successful businesses in the experience, I imagine that would be valuable to the students. What kinds of things do people seem to want to have available that aren't easily available? Are there services that could be provided rather than goods? This seems like a great ETHOS project! Imagine business, education, and engineering students getting involved with young adults & older students on the island to run a program on business creation. Now, that's something that's pretty exciting! Coconut cheese could be one part of that, but it could reach more people and have a curriculum with carefully planned practical exercises. That's something I'd love to be involved with.
I imagine you'll follow the World Cup more this year being in a place where it is such a big deal.
The cannon photo of you is great! It made me feel like I was experiencing the spot with you.
The photos are appreciated as it helps picture what you see. It's a pleasure reading your accounts with your descriptions. I like that you make the effort to write engaging pieces. I was thinking you probably have a great new set for "Moments" as you did in Gallichio's class. Do you know where that notebook is? I want to be sure it is safely put away. You could turn those in to a blog or a book. Thanks for the update! -Mom
Dad had interesting ideas on why starting new businesses on the island may be difficult. Remember to ask him about that.
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