CWW trips are wonderful opportunities to give back to communities around the country. This year's 7th grade class worked hand in hand with Fundación Tierra Viva from Barichara. Together, they went through a two step workshop that included learning how to build with dirt by using different natural materials and traditional techniques (tapia pisada, barenque, adobe).
This first step gave the students new knowledge and illustrated the importance of traditional and sustainable building techniques, given that they don't produce waste, they are economically sustainable for many communities, and they create final products that are both resistant and livable.
The second part of the workshop made the students active participants in the construction process where houses in the local community were being built. Throughout their work day, they were able to interact with members of the local community as they helped build their houses, which lead to further understanding of their context, their way of life, and their work.