La Ceiba, Honduras – On February 19 the first of two university groups arrived in Honduras for AAV’s ‘Alternative Spring Break’ program. Students from Ryerson University’s MBA program joined us for seven days in Honduras to assist with building a much needed retaining wall at the Jungle School. A wall was needed to protect a brand new classroom from a potential mudslide due to torrential rains. The classroom had already been flooded out on a couple occasions with mud filling the room before it had even hosted its first class.

Under the glaring tropical sun and heat, students began the tedious task of hauling approximately 10 yards of sand, one bag at a time, up 112 steep mountain stairs. Forming a chain, students were able to create a continuous flow of bags both up and down the line. It took 3 days to complete the task. On day 4, the wall was completed and Ryerson students were able to leave their mark with a quote; “La educación es la clave de tus exitos” (”Education is the key to your dreams”).

The week was highlighted by adventure tours to Cuero y Salado Wildlife Refuge, white water rafting Central America’s best rapids on the Rio Cangrejal, a day-hike to nearby El Bejuco, a 220 foot jungle waterfall and the fun concluded on the stunning marine reserve of Cayos Cochinos. Students also participated in Spanish lessons each night further immersing them into the Latin culture.

On Saturday February 26 we said “Goodbye” to our group from Ryerson and “Welcomed” our group from Fleming. In-country for 12 days, the group from Fleming College met a similar fate in the need for hauling more sand, this time for a series of steps that were needed to connect the kitchen to the main staircase leading down to the road below. The group may have been smaller in numbers at 4, but carried the same heart and determination to complete the task at hand. Work began on Monday February 28 and completed only 5 days later. This group hauled a serious amount of sand despite their lack of hands on deck!

The students from Fleming also shared in the adventures of the previous group, however, with an added long weekend, we journeyed to the nearby island of Roatán for some serious sun, beach and diving on the world’s second largest coral reef. We even squeezed in a spirit filled fútbol game featuring one of the local teams from Honduras’ national league. The good guys came out on top and the group had a blast taking in the mania that is Latin American soccer. Before we knew it, time had come again to say “Goodbye”.

We would like to express our sincere thanks to all those who participated in AAV’s first “Alternative Spring Break”. It was an absolute success and we can’t wait to begin planning for next year!