The Little Yellow School Bus for Peace is welcomed by the students of Far West School of Oakland, the first of many schools it will visit on its journey south to Chiapas.
When The Little Yellow School Bus for Peace arrived at Far West School in Oakland, it was clear that this would be a send-off to remember. Hundreds of students, from primary school to high school, came out to visit the bus and deliver beautiful works of art, donations, and inspiring personal letters to be carried to the students at Oventic, Aguascalientes II in Chiapas, Mexico. One class even greeted the bus with its full percussion band and marched all around the bus calling out chants of solidarity! Most of the students wanted to immediately get on the bus and never get off, hoping they could make the journey right by our side! And in a way, they are right by our side thanks to the amazing banner that Far West teacher Susan Quinlan made. The banner reads, "De California a Chiapas Por Una Paz, Justa, y Digna," and depicts a long, winding road with spaces for poloroids the bus will collect at each of its stops on the journey to Chiapas. It was a pleasure to put the photo of Far West Students in the first space and know that indeed their very smiling faces, as well as their spirits and good wishes are accompanying us on our journey.
Another particularly special part of this send off was the chance to reunite with the Far West High students who had participated on an educational caravan to Chiapas last summer. In fact, it was so great to see them that we invited them to board the bus and join us at our next event!
The Back of the Bus Posse