Up River to Jatobazhinho

Rob Howard / 14.11.2015

Overnight ARWC Pantanal moved up the Paraguay River from Corumba to the school at Jatobazhinho, where the race will start at 13.00 this afternoon. 
It took a while to settle all the teams into the 3 navy boats and they left close to sunset with teams spread out around the crowded decks, some huddled over their maps beneath the machine guns.  Others were finding a bunk below and sleeping in these was a claustrophobic experience, they were narrow and with not enough headroom to even roll over in the night.

Tecnu pulled their mattresses onto the common room floor where it was a bit cooler (and because their cabin area was by the toilet and didnít smell too good), and most racers said it was reasonably cool once the air conditioning got going.  Eric Sanders of Yogaslackers had the most uncomfortable trip, hooked up to an IV due to a bad stomach, which is not a great start to the race.

Soon after daybreak the convoy, tailed by the organisation and media boat, the Kalypso, arrived at the substantial stone pier alongside the school, and at 8am sharp everyone was allowed to disembark and stretch their legs.  The children, in their neat school uniforms and waving Brazilian flags were already gathered to greet them and ready to show them their remarkable school. 

It covers a large area with numerous buildings housing 50 pupils from communities along the river, 6 teachers and support staff. The well appointed buildings are surrounded by lawns which have numerous large mango trees for shade, all of which are full of brightly coloured birds. Inside, the classrooms, workrooms and library are full of the childrenís work and handicrafts and the comment, ìI wish Iíd gone to school somewhere this beautifulî was made many times over. 

Small groups of children and teachers proudly showed the teams round and as we walked I spoke to the school Director Theresa Bracher who told me the privately funded NGO worked with the state and children came first at age 5 or 6 starting with an introduction programme for their families as some are unsure about the children leaving to board at the school all week. When itís time for them to go to high school in Corumba they also put in place transport and financial help for the families.  It is an exceptional place but an example of what can be achieved, even in such a remote spot where the families rely on fishing tourism for their income.

During the morning there was an introduction, books were given out to the excited children, and the Director said how important it was for the children to host the race, hear different languages and experience something of the outside world coming to them. There was music and a brunch buffet, and one local farmer had brought in fresh water coconuts for everyone.
It was a relaxed and enjoyable morning, which all enjoyed ahead of the race start which will take teams further upriver and into the first night of the race. 

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