Only in the last several years have leaders in the Dominican Republic realized the overwhelming need to enact education reform. Lagging curriculum, overcrowded classrooms, and insufficient teacher conditions have prevented children from reaping the rewards that should follow their hard work. Further, widespread poverty inhibits a child’s ability to focus on education as a vector for reaching their potential. Children must be provided with the agency and opportunities necessary to thrive, so we are partnering with Outreach360 as volunteers to support their Learning Center in the town of Monte Cristi.
Outreach360 believes that by contributing adequate resources, learning and individual growth can be optimized. Learning Centers provide local children with formal, long-term English Education programs. Near native fluency in English equips children with a skill set that places them at an advantage in pursuing higher education and career opportunities. With the help of community leaders, Outreach360 and volunteers such as us hope to help children tap into their own strengths and talents.
Experienced Outreach360 leaders will provide us volunteers with comprehensive training and lesson planning so we are prepared to work in the Learning Center and serve the communities in Monte Cristi. For a week, we'll play our part in Outreach360’s mission to positively impact the lives of the students we interact with.
On our trip to Monte Cristi we will embody the ideals of Outreach, offering ourselves to the community and contributing to the goal that all people should have the means to aspire and achieve their fullest potential. Although our primary commitment is to the community, we hope to widen our perspectives on conditions of those outside of the comparative privilege we are accustomed to. We will keep the lessons we learn in the Dominican Republic -- of teamwork, meaningful effort, and the effect of taking action -- with us and apply them long after we return to New York City.
A contribution from you will ensure our Alternative Breaks community has the support it needs to serve the Monte Cristi communities to the fullest of our ability.
See the following link to learn more about Outreach360’s purpose https://outreach360.org/our-causes/english-education/
--and the following to learn more about Alternative Breaks community at NYU.
https://www.nyu.edu/students/getting-involved/leadership-and-service/volunteer-service/alternati ve-breaks.html
Thank you for your support!
Necklace or postcard or refrigerator magnet
The faceless doll has been a symbol of inclusivity and a representation of diversity of race, ethnicity, and culture in DR. This is an original souvenir of the DR.