Summary: On January 19, 2010 we (Caitlin Archer and Natalia Lipowska) began our Dominican Republic adenture working with Integración Juvenil, a registered non-profit organization, to provide high-risk street youth with an English as a Second Language education as part of our Master of Teaching program with the UofC.
We are working with students aged 7 to 17 years (all mixed together), to help them to achieve fulfilling and productive roles in a rapidly changing world. In addition to English lessons we are trying to implement the use of life skills such as manners, communication and respect for others. Some of these children have never been to school and have trouble writing their own names or their own language, let alone English. Many of them have endured hardships throughout their lives in addition to the abject poverty they all face, including physical and sexual abuse, family illness or death and having to work the streets from an early age.
With your support and donations, we have been able to purchase magazines, pencils and notebooks, craft supplies and a beautiful world map that will help to expand their knowledge of the world. Any further donated funds will be greatly appreciated and will help us to provide these under-privileged students with the best possible education we can during our stay.
For more information please visit www.puertoplataguide.com/ij_en.html
Thank you from both of us!!