Day 8 in Rivera: A Warm Welcome at Escuela N°16 and an Afternoon Exploring the City

Kevin Michael Agtarap
Jun 20, 2025
4 min read

Updated: Jul 7, 2025

Today was one of those special days that leave a lasting imprint on your heart. We spent the morning at Escuela N°16, home of our host teacher, Rafael Correa, and the experience was nothing short of inspiring.

The day began with crisp, dry air as we arrived at the school, where the principal greeted us with open arms. Rafael, a former Fulbright fellow himself, welcomed us into a "conference room" that had been transformed into a festive celebration space. It felt more like a party than a classroom, with twinkling lights, a balloon garland, and the flags of both Uruguay and the United States adding to the joyful atmosphere. His students were patiently waiting, eager to share their culture and learning with us.

Rafael’s presentation, alongside his students, gave us a glimpse into Uruguay’s rich history, from the gauchos and Indigenous groups like the Charrúas and Guaraníes to the Afro-Uruguayan influences that continue to shape the country’s identity today. It was a joy to watch his students participate so confidently. Their pride in their heritage and excitement to share it with us was beautiful to witness. What struck me most about this experience was the sense of community and genuine pride woven into the educational fabric. It wasn't just about reciting facts; it was about embodying their heritage. This stands in contrast to some of the more formalized, test-driven educational environments I've encountered, and it highlighted for me the power of integrating cultural identity directly into the curriculum. The students weren't just learning about their history; they were actively celebrating it.

After the presentation, we were treated to a homemade lunch by the school’s chef, who, we later found out, is also a talented carnaval dancer! Her bubbly energy and warm hospitality matched the deliciousness of the food. Across our time in Uruguay, the best meals we’ve had have been the homemade ones at schools like this. There’s something so special about food made with love and care. This simple act of sharing a meal, prepared with such care by a member of the school community, reinforced the idea of the school as a true hub of the community, extending beyond academics to nurture students holistically.

The school later surprised us with a cultural performance that brought everyone to their feet. The boys performed in traditional gaucho clothing (which I am now determined to bring home a hat or bombacha pants as a souvenir), and the girls wore china-style skirts with their hair in braids. The students’ final number moved us all. They sang a heartfelt Uruguayan song while waving both Uruguayan and American flags. It was a touching moment that underscored the power of cultural exchange and connection. It wasn't just a performance; it was a deeply emotional expression of shared humanity and a powerful lesson in diplomacy through art.

This day, and indeed this entire experience in Uruguay, has deeply impacted me. I arrived with expectations, but I'm leaving with a profound appreciation for the warmth and generosity of the Uruguayan people. The emphasis on community, the visible pride in their heritage, and the genuine desire to connect with us has been truly inspiring. Professionally, I've learned the immense value of infusing cultural relevance and authentic experiences into the classroom. Watching Rafael’s students, so engaged and confident in sharing their stories, has solidified my belief that true education extends beyond textbooks. It's about fostering an environment where students feel proud of who they are and are eager to share that with the world.

As I look ahead to my future practice as a global educator, I hope to bring several key takeaways from this experience. First, I will prioritize community building. I want to create a classroom environment that feels as welcoming and communal as Escuela N°16. This means fostering strong relationships with students, families, and the wider community, recognizing that learning happens both inside and outside the classroom. Second, I will integrate cultural identity. I will actively seek ways to empower my students to explore and share their own cultural identities, just as Rafael's students did. This could involve incorporating diverse perspectives into curriculum, inviting guest speakers from different backgrounds, or facilitating projects that celebrate their heritage. Third, I'm inspired to embrace authentic exchange. I will create more opportunities for authentic cultural exchange, whether through virtual collaborations with international classrooms or by inviting members of our local diverse communities to share their traditions and experiences. The impact of the students' song and flag-waving was a powerful reminder of how these shared moments can transcend language barriers. Finally, I want to cultivate global citizenship. Ultimately, I want to help my students become not just knowledgeable, but also empathetic and engaged global citizens. This experience has reinforced the idea that understanding and appreciating other cultures is fundamental to navigating our increasingly interconnected world.

In the afternoon, we ventured out to explore a local area that locals call a park, but it wasn’t a park in the typical sense. Instead, we found ourselves walking along a dam, enjoying the peaceful scenery, open sky, and quiet reflection. It was one of those unexpected places that turned out to be incredibly calming and picturesque.

We wrapped up the day with a few quick photo ops at the famous “Rivera” sign before heading to Macro Mercado, a local supermarket, for some essentials. We all stocked up on water, snacks, and a few local treats just in time to beat the incoming thunder showers that rolled in as we finished shopping.

Today was full of culture, connection, and community. From the thoughtful hospitality at Escuela N°16 to the simple joy of exploring Rivera’s landscape and everyday life, each moment reminded me why this experience is so meaningful, not just as a teacher, but as a learner of the world. It’s a journey that continually broadens my perspective and enriches my understanding of what it truly means to educate and connect across cultures.