A GROUP of pupils and teachers from Sri Kuala Lumpur Primary School recently flew to Toluca, Mexico, on an International School to School Exchange (ISSE) programme.

The eight pupils, aged between 10 and 12, were accompanied by two teachers, Nicole Tan and Angeline Miranda, on their visit to Instituto Cenca Elementary School. The pupils of Instituto Cenca had visited Sri KL earlier last year.

Instituto Cenca headmistress and ISSE coordinator, Maria Luisa Elizalde Fragoso, welcomed the Malaysian entourage with a special ceremony.

 
The pupils of Instituto Cenca Elementary School, Toluca, Mexico, gave the Sri Kuala Lumpur pupils a warm welcome.

The significance of All Souls Day was explained at the ceremony, which also showcased Mexican dances by pupils of the elementary school.

The Malaysian pupils were also given baskets of colourful candy to mark the special occasion, and taken round the area by friendly school staff and the host families.

In Toluca, the Malaysian pupils visited places like the Malinalco Pyramids, the Cosmovitral (a botanical garden that is as famous for its stained-glass panes depicting the cosmos as well as its 400 species of plants), the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the Reforma Boulevard.

In downtown Metepec, the excited pupils tried their hands at moulding Mexican artpieces, in particular, Arboles de la Vida (Trees of Life) ceramic, under the guidance of talented artisans.

Sri KL pupil Vanessa Sue Tamara was enchanted by the beauty of Mexico.

“It is a beautiful country, and the people are friendly and very helpful,” said Vanessa.

“I really enjoyed my trip to Mexico,” said another pupil, Ian Koh.

”The Mexicans are very warm and hospitable. They treasure family ties, and are very generous with hugs and kisses."

“When I stayed with the Valencia family, they gave me two welcome parties – one by the Valencia clan and another by the Ruiz clan, which is my foster mother's family,” Ian added.

He was surprised to learn that the Mexican students at Instituto Cenca Elementary School only had two lessons per day although they were in school for six-and-a-half hours.

“I also enjoyed Mexican food, especially the tortillas and tacos. Do you know that the Mexicans also eat cactus, either raw or cooked. And their version of keropok lekor is nachos,” said Ian, with a smile.

The Sri KL pupils acted as junior ambassadors, organising classroom activities with themes focusing on all things Malaysian.

Malaysian flags and words in Bahasa Malaysia were also displayed around the school.

The pupils also performed a medley of Malaysian songs and traditional dances.

The enterprising group even put up a Mexican dance, much to the delight of their hosts.

All the Sri KL pupils returned with fond memories of their Mexican adventure.