Day 11 in Rivera: A Heartfelt Celebration in Cerro Solito

Me gustaría un perro globo. = I would like a balloon dog.

Our journey to Escuela Rural N°19 in Cerro Solito, Rivera, on was an experience I won't forget. The drive itself was a true immersion into rural Uruguay. A muddy dirt road winding through endless pastures, dotted with cows and trees. Lidia’s school, nestled quaintly on top of a hill, felt like a hidden gem.

Lidia, our host teacher, greeted us warmly as we arrived, and my eyes were immediately drawn to the vibrant "Welcome to Cerro Solito Rivera-Uruguay" banner in neon letters opposite the school. What truly surprised and delighted us was the sight of a horse standing calmly nearby. Days prior, we had casually mentioned to our host Maite our desire to ride a horse. Lidia, overhearing our wish, had made it happen! She had asked one of her students' parents to bring their horse to school so that we, the visiting teachers, could have the unique experience of riding it. We were all incredibly excited!

Stepping inside Lidia's school, the warmth and passion she holds for her students and her craft were palpable. She serves as both teacher and principal to a close-knit group of ten students, mostly related, ranging in age from five to ten. As I walked through her classrooms, familiar touches brought a smile to my face: shelves overflowing with books, a dedicated corner for games, and a vibrant display of a PBL project where students used Legos to explore protecting our waters. It felt wonderfully reminiscent of my own classroom.

We then moved to another open room, furnished with benches. This versatile space doubled as a dining area and the venue for the students' Artigas Day performance. Lidia, with her gentle demeanor, reminded me so much of Miss Honey from Roald Dahl’s Matilda. She began the presentation, and one by one, the students proudly processed into the room, each carrying the national flag.

Today was Artigas Day (June 19), a national holiday where elementary students, instead of focusing on academics, participate in a cultural presentation honoring their national hero. This was a fascinating new concept for me, as the only similar celebration I've encountered in the US is Lincoln Day at Ewa Beach Elementary, back in Hawaii.

José Gervasio Artigas is the revered national hero of Uruguay, a pivotal figure in its fight for independence in the early 19th century. A military general and statesman, Artigas advocated for federalism, social justice, and self-determination for the common people of the Río de la Plata region. Though he faced exile before Uruguay achieved full independence, his vision and leadership laid the crucial groundwork for the nation's formation, making him a deeply ingrained symbol of liberty and national pride for Uruguayans today.

The students' performance was truly heartwarming. They showcased a flag ceremony, several traditional dances and recited poems with remarkable confidence, clearly proud to present in front of their families and us, their new, temporary strangers. The strong sense of family support was evident, with many family members present to celebrate this special day. At the end of the presentation, each student received a certificate from Lidia, a tangible recognition of their participation and dedication.

In Uruguay, both 1st grade primary students and 1st grade secondary students (equivalent to 7th grade) participate in special flag ceremonies where they receive a certificate. For primary students, it’s a symbolic moment where they make a promise to the flag. For secondary students, it’s a more formal occasion where they take an oath of loyalty to the flag, similar to making a pledge.

The certificate awarded to secondary students is an important document, often required when applying for jobs. For those who didn’t attend secondary school at the usual age or missed the ceremony for any reason, there’s an opportunity to participate every year on June 19th. These ceremonies take place in the town’s main public square, where individuals can take the oath and receive their certificate.

Our Artigas Day celebration continued beautifully after the students' presentations. We all moved back into the classroom, where each of us had the chance to present our own slides to the students and guests. It was wonderful to see their reactions! They "oohed" and "ahhed" at the pictures we shared, especially the ones of pizza, the Statue of Liberty, fire-knife dancing, and skiing.

After our presentations, we gave small tokens from home to each student and guest, which they really appreciated. Cheree then brought out her balloons and pump, and started making balloon animals for the students, and of course, I had to jump in and help! Their joy was infectious.

Later, we got to experience another highlight of the day: hopping on the horse for some photos and a casual trot around the dirt patch outside the school. It was definitely a cool experience and a unique opportunity.

We then headed back inside for a delicious homemade lunch, prepared by the school chef. The menu was fantastic, featuring empanadas, sandwiches, tortas fritas, and alfajores. It was so good that I even wrapped several empanadas to enjoy on the ride back to the hotel!

Today was a powerful reminder of how education transcends borders and formal curricula. Witnessing the Artigas Day celebration, where students honored their national hero with such pride and confidence, was truly inspiring. It highlighted the importance of cultural identity and community engagement in education.

The genuine warmth and dedication of Lidia, our host teacher, really stood out. Her ability to create such a nurturing and vibrant learning environment for her ten students, many of whom are related, speaks volumes about her passion. It reinforced the idea that a school, no matter how small, can be a hub of love, learning, and family support.

Our own presentations and the exchange of tokens created a wonderful cultural bridge. Seeing the students' fascination with our diverse pictures, from familiar foods to iconic landmarks and unique tradition, underscored the power of sharing personal stories and experiences to broaden horizons. And of course, making balloon animals and riding the horse together created unforgettable moments of pure joy and connection. Today was a beautiful blend of formal celebration and informal, heartfelt exchange, leaving us with a profound appreciation for the hospitality and spirit of Cerro Solito.