Dominican Experience

 

On Wednesday night I was able to sit in on the last meeting for the AlternativeSpring Break – Dominican Experience before they leave on Saturday.

It was really funny to see everyone buzzing with excitement and nerves right before they leave. Some were packed while others were just starting to. The energy in the room was really fun. For some students this is their first trip south others this is their first time volunteering abroad. They did a really cool exercise where they discussed their feelings from when they first met in October to now right before they leave.  

It has been a long journey for many for this group with applications and meetings starting in October. They have met every week from October to now, sold chocolate for fundraising, and organized events. This is a group of dedicated students that have become friends because of this project. They have a mix of ages, backgrounds, and programs that may have not connected outside of this project.

I was really impressed with the amount of donations they received from the school family and friends. They packed six suitcases full of food, books, and other donations for the school they will be working at. It is really great to see the school and community come together to support these students.

This is trip will allow the students to work with an orphanage in the Dominican. They will be working with a program called Outreach360. They are a non-profit organization with headquarters in Glendale, Arizona. In 1994, they “adopted” the Hope of a Child Orphanage in Monte Cristi, Dominican Republic. The focus of the orphanage is on education – teaching English, literacy, and public health. During the school year, you will most likely be teaching in local grade schools. The full-time on-site staff build relationships with the community to ensure they are meeting the highest priority needs of the area.

The students will be taking journals so that they can blog all their experiences when they get back. Check out their blog to see what they have gone through so far.
algonquindominicanexperience.blogspot.ca/

I want to wish them the best of luck in their travels. Remember to have fun and be yourself. You have all worked hard selling chocolates, and organizing events like Rich Meal Poor Meal, now is the time to enjoy yourself and make some memories.  As someone being left behind I would like you to bring back lots of pictures, stories, and sunshine.  

- SAO blogger Sarah Raphael