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Cultivating the future with local producers

On Wednesdays, EARTH University students work with small producers in rural communities near campus, learning to identify problems,
find solutions and share knowledge with local farmers.
See for yourself in our latest photo essay by Fredy Lobos (’16, El Salvador) Mastercard Foundation Scholar.

A new day begins as students head out to nearby communities La Lucha and San Rosa, where they will work in pairs with local producers as part of the Community Experience Module at EARTH.

A new day begins as students head out to nearby communities La Lucha and San Rosa, where they will work in pairs with local producers as part of the Community Experience Module at EARTH.

With a big smile and boundless energy, the students select the tools they need to complete the planned projects with the family.

With a big smile and boundless energy, the students select the tools they need to complete the planned projects with the family.

Soon after arriving, the students already feel at home.

Soon after arriving, the students already feel at home.

There is nothing quite like learning in the field and working with farmers; they share their knowledge and show us how to strive for improvement every single day.

There is nothing quite like learning in the field and working with farmers; they share their knowledge and show us how to strive for improvement every single day.

Teamwork is an important part of the activities that the students plan every Wednesday.

Teamwork is an important part of the activities that the students plan every Wednesday.

In addition to working on family farms, students also plan activities for children at local schools.

In addition to working on family farms, students also plan activities for children at local schools.

Luis works at the Nutritional Center, where he is in charge of managing the garden using the knowledge he has acquired at the University.

Luis works at the Nutritional Center, where he is in charge of managing the garden using the knowledge he has acquired at the University.

The garden is vital to the Center because it provides healthy food that is prepared for children and pregnant women in the community.

The garden is vital to the Center because it provides healthy food that is prepared for children and pregnant women in the community.

Establishing clear and open communication between students and farmers is essential to the success of the collaboration.

Establishing clear and open communication between students and farmers is essential to the success of the collaboration.

The producers carefully supervise students when learning how to operate new machines, guaranteeing their safety and a rich learning experience.

The producers carefully supervise students when learning how to operate new machines, guaranteeing their safety and a rich learning experience.

 After a day full of unique and unforgettable experiences, the students board the bus for their journey back to the University.

After a day full of unique and unforgettable experiences, the students board the bus for their journey back to the University.

The day is over and among smiling, pensive and tired faces, each student will return next Wednesday and repeat the process in this unique and special classroom: the community.

The day is over and among smiling, pensive and tired faces, each student will return next Wednesday and repeat the process in this unique and special classroom: the community.