Newsletter
February 2015

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DREAM and The Ministry of Education: Sustainable Change

We believe that the only true path to high quality education for all begins and ends in partnership with the Dominican public education system. Our Executive Director Catherine DeLaura proudly re-established this key partnership through a new agreement signed by Lisa Pimentel, School Sponsorship Coordinator in the Ministry of Education's Department of Community Participation, detailing our shared strategies, partnership and commitment to improving the education of all Dominican youth.

Banco Popular, a Model for Responsible Dominican Corporations

DREAM's first and most dedicated Dominican corporate sponsor, Banco Popular, signed a 2-year agreement this month to sponsor the A Ganar program, offering workforce development opportunities and leadership training to more than 500 youth and funding six full college scholarships for select graduates. We are so proud to have companies like Banco Popular in our corner, a true visionary when it comes to sustainable solutions for young Dominicans who are ready to take control of their lives.

Miss DR US Supports Our New Future of Reading

Our partners at Miss and Mr DR US have pitched in once again to promote reading and high quality education. If you would like to support, please click here for our wish list and help us collect even more Spanish language books for our Public and Mobile Libraries! Donations can be dropped off at XL Alliance at 234 West 39th Street (4th Floor), New York, NY 10018.

Young Stars are
Shining Bright this Month!

Our Young Stars students have been letting their creativity soar throughout the month of February. From dramatic plays to commemorate Valentine's Day to art projects and a parade in honor of Independence Day, they have found plenty of opportunities to share love and pride in their work. They've also been busy learning about the solar system, geography, and natural habitats. We can't wait to see what they'll be up to in March!

Gracias Education First and Lawrence Woodmere Academy!

Our Global Connection group from Long Island was a big hit with the Callejon de La Loma Baseball Field, where they spent their time painting, playing, learning and connecting with the local community. DREAM is proud to have taken a littered cow pasture in 2010 and transformed it into Cabarete's finest baseball field! This has been a true team effort with our Global Connection partners, the local community and a lot of love.

DREAMer of the Month

Silvia Hernandez Rodriguez

DREAM first met Silvia when she was one of our star students in A Ganar's first course in Sosua. We were so impressed by her performance that she was hired in November 2012 to provide administrative support to the Montessori program. Silvia soon began replicating the Escuelita de Padres Parent Education Program in different communities, and then transitioned into her role as DREAM Center Coordinator. Silvia is starting a new adventure in the United States, and while we will miss her kindness and generosity, we know that she will find great success among new opportunities.

Donors of the Month

A special thank you to all who gave this month, including:

Michel Zaleski Education First

The Thomas Rosato Foundation

Green Tech High Charter School

Beyond the Beach Children's Foundation

Michael Couture Kittatinny Education Association

Brenda Hernandez Henrik Falktoft Newton High School

Anonymous AT&T Employee Giving Campaign

Sparta Education Association JetBlue
Magasin de Musique Music Store D'Addario

Jeff Jones & Long & McQuade London Ellen & Nicole Fuller

Jim Vale Dani Gall & Fredon School