DREAM Project Logo Newsletter
March 2016

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There is a "Leon" in Cabarete
 


As our reading revolution continues, we are proud to release our first book, "Un Leon en Cabarete!" Scholastic author, Ana Galan, has written a book with the DREAM students about building a culture of reading in Cabarete. Now our students can read a book showcasing themselves and THEIR community. Help us create more leones (readers) in every community in the Dominican Republic and purchase your book here.
Santo Domingo Benefit, April 14th: The Best of the DR



DREAM is proud, once again, to serve as beneficiary for the Cigar Country Night Benefit, this April 14th at the JW Marriott in Santo Domingo. It is the country's most exclusive evening, with 100% of proceeds going to our Early Childhood Development programs and first model classroom in Santo Domingo. The event is almost sold out, but please support with a remaining ticket or contribution here.
Forty New Coaches Join DPV Network  



On March 10-13, 2016, Deportes Para La Vida (DPV) celebrated its 12th Training of Trainers at the Lago Azul Camp near Santo Domingo. DREAM and the Peace Corps trained 40 young adults as coaches who will use the sports-based methodology to teach youth about HIV and sexual health. These leaders came from different communities and provinces from all over the Dominican Republic to complete the 30-hour training. Thanks to their leadership, DPV will reach hundreds of youth in 2016!
Put a Camera in Their Hands...


The Photovoice Project, led by psychologists Irene Lopez and Amanda Clinton, has engaged the youth of Barrio Blanco in the most revealing way. Eleven Young Star students created over 60 photos displayed in a photo exhibition in Barrio Blanco on Wednesday, March  30th. This intensive project gives students a way to examine their community and to explore ways to improve it through photography, helping students understand their own emotions and how they can make the world a better place..
Montessori Students Celebrate Ecological Project at the DREAM Center   



Montessori students marched out of the DREAM Center smiling and singing, inviting community members to join in their cause and take care of the environment. Teachers Marta, Jose Miguel, and Morena have developed a "Go Green Project" to teach children how to care for and respect the environment in which they live. Sandro, an environmental engineer, visited the students and talked about the importance of caring for their surrounding environment. The students then used trash cans to collect garbage from the streets and invited their neighbors to do the same, cheering, "POM, POM, POM. Trash goes in the trash can!"
Georgetown Grad Students Spend Spring Break Preparing Program Evaluation   
 


Twelve graduate students from the Georgetown University's McCourt Policy in Practice (MPiP) organization visited DREAM to collect information as they prepare to conduct an impact evaluation of our Montessori program next school year. Team members spent a week observing Montessori classrooms, leading focus groups with parents and teachers, visiting local schools, and piloting assessments with DREAM students. This is the second year DREAM has collaborated with MPiP on development projects, and we're grateful for their continued support and expertise!
University of Maryland Continues Work in Barrio Blanco



Our Global Connection partnership with UM focused on the environment and reading, with 15 volunteers working alongside our Montessori students and Young Stars, recycling materials and building bookshelves and a mural for our young learners. Thanks again Terrapins!
Donors of the Month 

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

Michel Zaleski & the Zaleski Family Foundation
Banco Popular Dominicano     Education First
The RC22 Foundation     UBS
John D. McVitty Trust     The London School of English
Carnival Cruise Lines     Abhijit Kodey
Sarah, Nate & Coco O'Brien     Gordito's
CFC Campaign     Bank of America     Mary Slattery
Patrick Neill     Elite Island Resorts

Our Shared Responsibility Partners
and all who bought tickets, auction items, donated money or in kind items through the Cigar Country Benefit.
 
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