Mingling with the "Locals"

After today (Thursday, 9/26), we really only have 5 more business days in which to finalize our deliverables.  Next Friday morning, 10/4, we close out our month long assignment with another visit to the mayor’s office.  All of the CSC Teams will be presenting a recap of their challenges, the objectives, what was done to address their challenges, the solution, and the potential impact. 

During the morning, Hajira focused on presenting a tutorial and some knowledge transfer on several sections outlined in our HR Framework document.  While she worked closely with Toni and Camila, I worked on tying up the loose ends.  Just like in may other areas of life, the 80 / 20 rule applies with our project:  (it seems like) 80% of our time, over the final 5 – 7 business days, will be spent on 20% of the work. The "little things" often take the most time.

As has been the case on many other days that we’ve worked at the Ipe, many new & returning visitors came through the front gate to see Ipe first hand.  In one case, a pair of brothers (Solomon & Adam), who Itamar has known for a while, came from a town approximately 150km away to see the Ipe in person.  (Itamar previously shared their story with me and explained they are part of a 15 person family who live on a beautiful piece of the cerrado.)  We also met Fernando who works as a biologist and a eco-construction consultant.  He was instrumental in creating the walls at Ipe which showcase creative ways to use recyclable materials.  (He has been a regular consultant with Ipe since 2008.)  

    

One thing I have observed first hand with regards to Toni.  When he finds someone who he knows, trusts, and is confident can contribute to the Ipe, he knows how to keep them engaged and committed to he cause for years and years. 

In the afternoon, we were invited by an administrator at  São Paschoall to visit.  This school regularly visits the Ipe and is only about 3 blocks away.  The purpose of our visit was to hear a presentation given by some young students in English.  These students had already given the presentation, in Portuguese, last Thursday, 9/19 to their parents and domestic helpers.  (During that session, they enlightened (and hopefully motivated) everyone to recycle, compost, and take better care of the cerrado.)  After our presentation, we took a 30 minute tour of the school before heading home at about 5:15PM BST.   

Ironically, the youngest students at  São Paschoall  were the ones who did the best with recycling.  (We knew this because on a large wall near the gymnasium, each class had a large banner that had stickers for each time a person brought in recycling, helped in the community, or gave money towards the purchase of a recycling truck for the Ipe.  By far, the youngest students had the most stickers.)

       

Instead of getting a ride back to the hotel, I opted to walk; which is something I normally do because the hotel is only about 2km from the Ipe. 

THE REST OF THE DAY IN PICTURES:

                

          

 

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