Exchange program promotes cultural and ecological immersion in the Amazon for students

Manaus (AM) — Exchange students from Italy, Denmark, Thailand, the Netherlands, Canada and Iceland participated between March 27th and 31st in the program: “Exploring the Amazon 2024”. The initiative developed by AFS Manaus, an arm of AFS Intercultura Brasil and AFS Intercultural Programs (oldest and currently the largest international exchange organization in the world), was designed to provide cultural and ecological immersion in the Amazon region through experiences that highlight the natural wealth and cultural diversity of the Amazonian capital.

According to the volunteer and President of the AFS Manaus Committee, the Amazonian entrepreneur and pedagogue Jhony Abreu (founder of the startup EduMaker Brasil, focusing on educational robotics), the idea arose from the need to promote a deeper connection between participants and the Amazon environment.

“The program was entirely structured around activities that explored local history, culture and biodiversity, promoting environmental and intercultural awareness,”

explains Jhony Abreu.

According to him, in 2023, a pilot project was carried out and it met the expectations of the proposal presented by the program in a very positive way and this year a carefully planned program was built to cover a variety of educational and recreational experiences, ranging from river trips to reveal the majestic wildlife and unique ecosystems of the region, to visits to historical and cultural sites that tell the story of the Amazon and its communities, was applied with the group of students.

“Each activity had a reason, which in general was to offer participants a holistic and multidimensional understanding of the global importance of the Amazon”, says Jhony Abreu.

Also according to the president, the program welcomes a diverse number of students, varying in nationality, which enriches the experience by promoting cultural exchange between participants.

“These students are exchanging with other committees in Brazilian capitals and cities and ‘Exploring the Amazon 2024’ is truly an immersion and an opportunity to foster a mutual learning environment, where participants not only explore the Amazon, but also share their own cultures and perspectives”,

analyze.

For 17-year-old Italian student Marta Mureddu, participating in the program was worthwhile because it represents a unique opportunity for learning, adventure and social contribution, aligning with the values ​​of cultural exchange, environmental education and social inclusion that AFS promotes globally .

“I found the project important because it is also necessary to show the culture and nature of the Amazon, as it is a unique place in the world. And it was fascinating to be able to live this experience”,

points.

Experiences and itinerary through the Amazon

During the tours, the students visited: the Amazonas Theater (where they watched the musical show: Classics of Jazz and Brazilian Music with the Amazonas Band); Largo São Sebastião Cultural Center; Adolpho Lisboa Municipal Market; Palace of Justice Cultural Center; Edge of Ponta Negra beach. They also went on a river trip, where they had the opportunity to swim with the dolphins, walk around and get to know the Encontro das Águas, Lake Janauari up close; where they tasted regional delicacies in a floating restaurant, as well as visited riverside communities and also participated and observed some rituals of people originally from the Upper Rio Negro, among other activities.

The exchange students also visited the Ruins of Paricatuba, the Presidente Figueiredo Waterfalls, the Adolpho Ducke Forest Reserve: The Amazon Museum (MUSA) and participated in the opening rehearsal of the Bumbás 2024 rehearsals, at the Curral do Boi Garantido in Manaus, at the sambadrome.

For Jhony Abreu, programs of this size play a crucial role in promoting connections and cultural experiences between students and families, contributing to the development of intercultural skills, mutual respect and global understanding.

“These initiatives are fundamental to preparing young leaders capable of acting consciously in an increasingly globalized and interconnected world”, he concludes.

AFS Intercultural Programs

The mission and spirit of AFS (which means: American Field Service) was born in 1914 in the midst of the First World War when idealistic young men refused to participate in combat and entered the battlefield as ambulance drivers. to help the injured, regardless of their nationality or culture. This same work was resumed in World War II.

After the war, a group of AFS veterans realized the need to promote international understanding and brotherhood as a way to reduce intolerance between people and chose that the best way to do this is through cultural immersion experiences. Thus, in 1947, AFS Intercultural Programs was created, today the largest cultural exchange organization in the world. Furthermore, AFS believes that UN Sustainable Development Goals #4 and #16 provide a roadmap to help make our world a better place for all people.

*With information from consultancy

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