It has been just about a month since we returned from La Romana, Dominican Republic. As I began this year's blog, I now finish it, the same way I began - with snow lightly falling and the thoughts of the warm sun and fantastic friends I have left behind. As I do every year, I take the time to reflect on the progress that was accomplished and the projects we still need to continue... This year's group was the largest that I have been with over the years - 24 Rotarians and friends of Rotarians, all here with the same purpose to give back and make a difference in the lives of so many! In one short week we accomplished so much! We visited 6 bateys and participated in the Patios de Escuelas - adult education classes, where we assisted with reading and writing and distributed school supplies to all of the students. We built two, free standing, two person latrines, from the ground up. Prior to us building these latrines, the residents of batey 105 were all using a total of 4 latrines, buckets, or the backyard. Not very sanitary! We visited countless schools to distribute school supplies, sports equipment, games, underwear and flip flops. At each of the schools, the children's faces lit up when they were given their very own note book, pencil and colored pencils! There were plenty of smiles and hugs to last a lifetime! We visited the Clinica de Familia and learned a great deal about their HIV education and testing programs. We also had the opportunity to visit bateys while they were doing HIV testing. Another part of the program that we were able to learn more about is the work that is being done regarding sex education for young and teenage girls, as well as adults. There is an extremely high number of teen pregnancies, rape, and abuse that happens in the community. Education is only the beginning. Our group continued to work with the Good Samaritan Hospital to distribute Water Filters and educate batey members about healthy habits and lifestyles. We visited the Escuela y Guarderia Mi Refugio and was able to give the money to buy new text books for their 40 students, age 4- 14! And finally we were able to finish distributing the flip flops to the children and families of the bateys! In total we were also able to distribute over 600 pounds of school supplies, personal items, underwear, clothing, games, toys, flip flops and sports equiptment! All of this was done by 24 Rotarians from Canada and the USA, to countless batey members in over a dozen bateys and schools! We could not have done this alone and I need to say a huge THANK YOU to Dr. Bob Chagrasulis, our fearless leader, the support of Rotarians in La Romana, and of course our fabulous guides and partners for the week - Daniel, Wascar, Jessy, Manuel and Fernando! And to the people of the Dominican Republic ~ Thank you for allowing us to visit with you again share a little piece of us with you!
Over the last few years, I have truly enjoyed visiting the amazing people of La Romana! The people and culture are outstanding and so welcoming! I truly love and appreciate the people and the ability to be able to give back to those in need!
The Bridgton Lake Rotary Club posted a great quote on their blog for the week that I will borrow, because it is a perfect end -
We Make a Living by What We Get, But We Make a Life by What We Give. ~Winston Churchill.
En Amistad,
Jenny
Our Team of Rotarians!
Giving School Supplies and Underwear
Elder of the Batey
Assisting with the writing program
View of the Sugar Cane Field
