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VfP Partner Highlight

About The Dominican Republic Education and Mentoring (DREAM) Project

The Dominican Republic Education and Mentoring (DREAM) Project, a US 501c3 nonprofit organization, provides quality education for all children born into poverty in rural areas and small communities of the Dominican Republic. We are sustained through the generous contribution of time, talent, funds, materials and supplies from individuals, foundations, government agencies and businesses.

We fulfill our mission by building classrooms, libraries, computer and science labs and sport recreation areas; Securing books, school supplies and educational materials for the classrooms; Partnering with public schools; Operating private preschool classrooms, youth groups and summer camps; Empowering local communities by providing models, resources and training; Raising awareness within the international community; Soliciting international volunteers; and training Dominican teachers and local community members in modern child centered teaching methodologies.

International Voluntary Service Activities

Our Volunteer Program gives students, teachers, and qualified individuals the opportunity to work in DREAM sponsored schools. Our volunteers work with children born into poverty and provide additional support for Dominican teachers, who are themselves victims of the same poor educational system. From simply introducing a book into a classroom, organizing a small soccer game, or actively serving as a role model, volunteers help provide new opportunities to the children.

Our volunteer program consists of two specific programs: the academic year program, and the Guzman Ariza DREAM Summer School & Camp. We normally have 6-10 year-long volunteers, and up to 70 summer camp volunteers each year. Prospective volunteers can find our ads on idealist.org, craigslist.org, goabroad.com, and various other websites. Last year, we had 8 year-long volunteers and 71 summer camp volunteers. This upcoming year, we will have 4-5 year-long volunteers and over 40 summer camp volunteers, and are still recruiting.

Volunteer for Prosperity Opportunities
Number of Opportunities	2
Geographic Regions	Caribbean
Health & Prosperity Sectors	Education, Women & Youth Empowerment
Types of Opportunities	Other
Average Duration of Projects	5 Weeks
Volunteer Profile Summary
The DREAM Project is searching for volunteers 21 years and older to serve children ages 3-18 in the Dominican Republic from August 24, 2009 to May 30, 2010. Volunteers work in a variety of teaching and mentoring roles. Teaching or mentoring experience with children is desired but not required. Advanced Spanish skills or fluency is required for all positions. Placements are based on Spanish speaking abilities and experience. The DREAM Project is also is seeking 40-45 volunteers to work as camp counselors and teachers at our 6th Annual Guzman Ariza DREAM Summer School and Camp. DREAM's summer camp is a five week program that targets children, aged 8-17. The summer camp offers additional educational support through individualized tutoring, experiential learning and specialized educational programs to students who are at risk of dropping out. Counselors will work in an area that best matches their individual talents (be it sports, music, arts, or nature instruction) to guide the children in educational exploration. The successful candidate is over 18, has an intermediate to advanced knowledge of Spanish, and has experience teaching or working with children.