It is not the first time that Copaíba is part of the itinerary of experiences of young exchange students. Every year, the institution receives several groups of young foreign students who go through different experiences in Brazil, practicing volunteering – a noble action that allows the exchange of knowledge, learning and also helps a socio-environmental cause.

One more of these groups was visiting Copaíba. Eight young Chilean students experienced routine practices at the institution for two days. They came through Experimento Intercambio Cultural and Terra Nativa Ecoturismo. This is an educational initiative by the municipality “La Pintana”, one of the most vulnerable communities in the city of Santiago. They were selected and underwent personal interviews and tests, in addition to demanding, as a decisive parameter for the choice, an exemplary school performance.

The students participated in several Copaíba activities, accompanied by the local Program Coordinator in Monte Alegre do Sul, Sharon Woodyatt Biffarate, and by the leader of the group, the Chilean, Romina Pinto.

During the experience, all of them had the opportunity to get to know the seedling production process up close and also participated in practical activities in the middle of the Copaíba forest reserve. It was the first time that the group participated in 100% activities at the institution's new headquarters. “There are still adaptations to be made both for day-to-day activities, such as the production of seedlings, as well as for environmental awareness actions. Little by little, we are improving the spaces and logistics”, comments Flávia Balderi, Executive Secretary at Copaíba.

The local coordinator, Sharon, who always follows the activities with the different groups, was satisfied with the result. “I think now the experience is complete. All activities can be done here and the organization was perfect. It was incredible to see them walking among the trees, as if they were exploring the middle of the forest. Feeling this in loco is very rich, especially for them who experience another reality”, comments Sharon.

To end the experience, each of the students planted a tree native to the Atlantic Forest. This experience makes all the difference in their lives. “I had never planted a tree. The connection with nature started as soon as we walked through the forest and it was completed with the planting of the seedling. It was wonderful!”, comments Catalina Diaz Poblete, 16 years old.

The experience of these students at Copaíba, as well as the other experiences they had in Brazil, mark the lives of these young people and they take with them the desire to become people who make a difference. “I think connecting with nature is saving the world in a way, because it makes people aware of themselves and the importance of taking care of nature and thus being able to save it”, comments Felipe Eduardo Toro Fiuca, 16 years old. of the “La Pintana” community.

Copaíba welcomes groups at its headquarters and nursery to play its role of environmental awareness and give participants the opportunity to experience these experiences.