What is the DREAM Project?

The Dominican Republic Education And Mentoring (DREAM) Project, a US 501c3 nonprofit organization, provides quality education for all children born into poverty in rural areas and small communities of the Dominican Republic which fulfills its mission by:
• Building classrooms, libraries, computer and science labs and sport recreation areas• Securing books, school supplies and educational materials for the classrooms• Partnering with public schools• Operating private preschool classrooms• Operating youth groups and summer camps• Empowering local communities by providing models, resources and training• Raising awareness within the international community• Soliciting international volunteers; and• Training Dominican teachers and local community members in modern child centered teaching methodologies
From the DREAM Project website, “It is our vision that all children born in the Dominican Republic have the opportunity to receive an education and learn to their full potential. It is our hope that our efforts can be multiplied to allow the opportunity for every child’s gifts and challenges to be met with support nationwide. It is our goal to break the cycle of poverty and change peoples’ destinies. It is our dream that the world will be a better place for the children and families of the next generation.”

What will I be doing?

As a volunteer for the DREAM project I am working at the Guzman Ariza Escuela y Campamento de Verano, which is a summer camp for the “at risk” children in the surrounding communities. Because it is only a six week program, not much progress can be made with the students in such a short period of time. The main focus of this camp, then, is to get the kids excited about learning and to open their eyes to the world around them. Most of the children in the camp have never been more than 15 miles from the Callejon and don’t know of any other way of life. The camp intends to open their eyes to opportunities and to help them see their individual potential. Along with two other volunteers, I will be a counselor for a group of 25 11-12 year old children. Each day I will follow the children to their classes and help them with academic tutoring and any other areas they may be struggling. Basically it is my responsibility to know my students better than anyone else and do all that I can to help them succeed throughout the duration of camp.