Summer is HERE! - June Newsletter 2017

Newsletter
June 2017

Summer is HERE!

Back in 2004, DREAM realized that local youth spent far too little time in school--less than 3.5 hours per day! Our solution was a summer program, converting academic support into a 4 week adventure that would inspire the kids to develop a lifelong love of learning. That summer, we hosted a group of 6 volunteers from Dartmouth college and launched our first DREAM Summer Camp with 60 youth. Today, DREAM is hosting more than 1,000 youth in 8 camps across the country , focusing on academic skills , responsible decision - making, environmental education , arts and culture, literacy, sports , adventure and community involvement. ¡Qué viva el Camp a mento!

Our Literacy Revolution: A New Abreu Library

Third and sixth graders in t he Dominican Republic had the lowest reading levels among students in 15 countries in Latin America according to the latest comparative study, TERCE. In response, DREAM is inspiring thousands of young readers through diverse initiative including My Very Own Library, Mobile Libraries, Book Clubs and School Libraries. Thanks to innovative partners such as Fast Enterprises, Friends & Family of Anne Feeley, Ace Bailey, Moller Family Foundation, Scholastic and LitWorld this literacy movement has gained international recognition. Our latest step forward has been alongside the community of Abreu and Cabrera, starting with architect Eric Urbahn, we were proud to bring together parents, community leaders and local residents to build our newest library in the Escuela Bàsica Màximo Acosta in Abreu. Let the reading begin!

Time of the Butterflies

Each July, DREAM is proud to partner with The Butterfly Effect, a worldwide water movement that brings women together in a non-competitive gathering celebrating community and love of the ocean, while instilling confidence in women of all ages and skill sets. 100% of proceeds from the Goodbye Dinner to be held Saturday July 8th at Velero will go towards our Summer School and Camp Program, benefiting more than 1,000 local youth! Be the Effect, register or donate today!

Global Connections are Everywhere!

Our busy summer season of visiting Global Connection Groups is in full swing, with more than 100 international volunteers investing more than 2,000 hours of volunteer work and US$50,000 into our local economy and public schools. This summer, we are providing English as a Second Language classes and m ini s ummer camps , in addition to much needed infrastructure improvements. Thank you Texas State University, Pan American Academy Charter School, Wilmington Friends School and our partners at Education First! Let's keep DREAMing Big together!

The CCB Benefit Launches DREAM's First Montessori Classroom in Santo Domingo!

The DREAM Project, jointly with IMCA and Banco Progreso, inaugurated its first Montessori classroom in the sector of Guachupita, Santo Domingo. The Aula Oriett bears the name of world renowned designer Oriett Domenech, a longtime supporter of DREAM's expansion in the capit a l. Classroom teachers are trained in Montessori methodology to provide the best early childhood education possible to more than 50 young people. The Virgen de Carmen School works very close ly with Regional District 15 of the Ministry of Education , and plans to work with DREAM to launch more educational programs.

Music Camp 2017

It was a perfect week of 65 students, 10 teachers and 30 hours of fun! Music, dance and recycled art formed the basis for students to develop their musical talents and explore the world through movement. The iASO Bachata Academy and Contemporary Musicprograms formed mixed groups to perform classic songs from all genres. A special thanks to our incredibly talented guests Allison Rivera, Helena Dardelet, Marcelo Tavarez and the Yemaya Tribe dance crew. Like our Facebook page to get invited to the next concert!

DREAMer of the Month

Gerardo Aponte Martínez

Gerardo is back in Cabarete for his fourth summer as Academic Director of one of DREAM's largest summer camp sites. Under Gerardo's leadership, our teachers have received high quality professional development workshops, new curriculum and instructional strategies, and consistent support in the classroom. Gerardo is joining us after having just received his Ph.D. from Michigan State University. ¡Felicidades Dr. Aponte Martínez! Students and staff alike are thrilled that he is returning for another fun summer of learning, and we are forever grateful for the years he has dedicated to our education community.