The school aimed to create a base for the project, engaging the CRAs in the research process. Under the motto: "everybody trains, everybody gains", this school was essential in the recognition of the role of the local community in the knowledge production. Participants not only are going to offer interviews. They are assistant researchers who are willing to tell their own stories. In that sense, during the school, participants were introduced to various research methods. The first week of the school focused on introducing the project's objectives, the importance of studying water and domestic landscapes, and the ethical considerations of research. Participants learned about ethnographic methods, including how to conduct interviews, create body maps, and write autobiographical accounts. They also practiced using mobile apps like Survey123 to document their daily water-related activities and analyze water quality. The second week delved deeper into specific methods, such as relational interviews, photo-voice techniques, and the creation of life histories.

Beyond the academic and methodological training, the school also fostered a strong sense of community. We enjoyed amazing lunches every day, and during breaks, the CRAs and the project team had the opportunity to get to each other, creating a social atmosphere that helped build confidence and trust. This social element was crucial in making the CRAs feel comfortable and supported in their roles. A particularly touching moment occurred when the CRAs surprised one of the master students working on the project with a birthday celebration. They fundraised among themselves to buy a cake, balloons, and drinks, introducing the foreign students to the Colombian culture of celebrating.