Puerto Plata / Dominican Republic

Muñoz Project

(1994 - 2007)

HELP!!!

• Do you feel curiosity and a desire to find out more when you hear or read this word written in BIG LETTERS?
• Do you have some time available?
• Do you like the Tropics?
• Do you want to improve the life of others in the world?

If you answered YES to any of these questions, WE NEED YOU.  You may just discover what will lead to a rewarding and fulfilling experience.

Here is the SunCampDR proposal:

We have a project to help the impoverished community of Muñoz.  SunCampDR is located within this community, so if we improve the life of these people, we improve our own neighborhood.  We need volunteers of all ages and there are no specific qualifications required. You will be greatly appreciated here among the Dominican and Haitian community. Your schedule is flexible and there are many different ways to help. Teaching languages is the most convenient service we can bring to these people. Once the communication barrier is lifted, then there is no limit to the progress that we can achieve.

Upon arrival, you will meet other project members on site and we will introduce you to the people in charge of volunteer activities in the community.

Occasionally we will have a volunteer that can translate Spanish or Creole for the Haitian students. This is a great asset for our English only teachers, although not always available.  While we have the people, the space and lots of motivation, what is needed is someone to organize activities and/or social events. 

A condescending attitude is not welcome here.  There is a lot we can learn from the people of Munoz as well as teach them.  In this way, we will create an environment which benefits everyone, and excludes no one.

On site, we will give you more information about the SunCampDR foundation, about donations, construction project(s), present and future as well as any other possible expansion ideas. For example, you could put us in contact with individuals, groups or organizations who may wish to make donations. These donations would be then used to purchase basic equipment for the schools or other projects. We have an ongoing agricultural project in the community and we are trying to get the Dominican Government to assist us as well.

 Lodging facilities for Volunteers

Currently we lack any government budget or assistance for our numerous projects.  We just have dedicated individuals with a desire to reach out and make a difference.

We do offer a 25% discount on your apartment rental.  Your room has an equipped kitchenette for your convenience. Please take a look at the photo gallery for a better idea of the accommodations we offer.  You will note that we are not a luxury suite, as we have a philosophy of voluntary simplicity.

If you prefer to stay in a luxurious hotel, Muñoz is located across from Playa Dorada and Costa Dorada. You can choose from any of the 16 hotels which offer you an enjoyable “All Inclusive’’ stay.  We can organize transportation for you to visit the village, to share and give of yourself.

It is entirely up to you what you can and will give, that is a personal decision. Our only wish is to encourage motivated people with new ideas to come and try to make this a larger and even more positive initiative.

 Welcome to all! Sean Todos Bienvenidos!

 "The best gift is to teach them languages.  Since we live close to the tourist area, this will provide them an opportunity to work and make a decent living."

 Location:

Muñoz, Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic.
Number of inhabitants, 14,000 with lots of children
Languages spoken by our staff: English, French, German, Spanish, Creole.
Languages spoken in the community: Spanish and Creole (Haitian)

Working spaces:

Lots of fields, fresh water and open air.  There are Catholic and Christian churches, many of which would be available for teaching spaces or meetings, etc.
In Muñoz, there is a Community Center (centro sanitario) and also a Youth Center (centro de integracion juvenil). Ideally, arrangements could be made to work with these government establishments.

Specifications:

• There is a Dominican but also a Haitian Community, each with their own unique cultures.
• Illiteracy is a big issue here, for adults and children.
• Children: They need some organization. Many are in the street doing nothing. We just need to set a schedule for them. If the parents cannot afford the uniform and books for school they are left on the street running after the tourists who occasionally come in the village on horse and buggy.  We need to provide some motivation and inspiration for them to see themselves as more than this. Help them discover their potential.
• Adults: Lots of woman alone struggling to feed their babies.  Lots of men with no work, no profession, no knowledge. Alcoholism and drugs and cock fights. The money could be used in a wiser way. We need to heighten their awareness and attempt to raise the basic standard of living.
• Mentality of locals: They are the friendliest of people, open minded, very welcoming to any help coming from outsiders. They are a warm people, sharing and full of generosity with much to offer each other and the world in terms of culture, and common decency.

Project goals:

To help the people become healthier, more self sufficient and aware of solutions to their difficulties. By motivating and working with them, we will set goals to achieve together that we are all proud of and benefits everyone. 

How to reach the goals:

All the tools for improvement are at our disposal.  Continually sharing knowledge, combined with a structured, realistic series of goals will move the people of Muñoz forward.  Once they begin to see results, and their own lives begin to flourish as a result, the more involved they will become in determining their own destiny.

Specific Volunteer Positions

Nurses and assistants:
Fundamental hygiene practices are needed to survive under basic conditions. Teaching efficient water usage, basic treatments and preventative measures would be a huge benefit for the people of Muñoz. Providing medical assistance to people in immediate need is another badly needed service. There is a possibility to work at the Community Center (centro sanitario).

Educators or teachers:
In Muñoz, there is one primary school plus another for Haitians with no papers. Children attend only half a day of school. Another group comes in the afternoon.

1. Self-sufficiency
2. Teaching helpful trades and skills like sewing, cooking, carpentry, etc.  
3. Basic etiquette education such as saying “thank you” and “please”
4. Hygiene at a very basic level, starting with washing hands and general sanitation.

Language skills:
The best gift we can offer immediately is to teach them a second language. As Muñoz is located right across from a massive tourist area, English and then French are the priority.  With these skills they can obtain steady income which can then be used to improve their life at home. It is also a stepping stone to bigger and better things for their family and community. They will have an opportunity to travel and expand their horizons and business opportunities.  This is key to their independence and self-reliance, so they can have more of a chance to determine their own future.

Budget:
Monetary education is an important skill that many of us take for granted and could share. The people of Muñoz need to be shown how to handle a budget, even a small one. Things like buying bulk and preservation methods (cold, canned, etc.), would save them enormous amounts of money.  Currently, they often buy little by little and end up paying double or triple the value of goods.

Ecology:
There is a big problem with garbage. The benefits of compost are not widely known. Knowledge of how to separate the garbage that can be burned, etc. would also help.

Churches and missionary work:
People have faith in God, they are really open minded to all spiritual messages. The existing churches are also very welcoming to visitors or missionaries.

Sports and physical activities:

1. There is a big baseball and soccer field in the village.  They have no equipment and no coach.  They have a lot of talent and love for games and athletics.
2. There is a big river that forms a natural pool, where we can teach the people how to swim.
3. They would love to have Karate class or other martial arts lessons.
4. Many games and physical activities would make a pleasant occupation for them. They are an active, outdoor-oriented group.

Construction and development:
Many houses do not have running water. There are no septic tanks.
Many houses get wet inside when it is raining.  These are the sorts of basic improvements that would make such a huge difference in their day to day lives.  Knowledge of building maintenance, construction and renovation that could be passed on and shared would be invaluable.

Resources:
As far as natural resources are concerned we have everything.  All the tools are there, we just need to motivate the people to become more organized: For example, set up clothes-lines instead of using the cactus trees, which put holes in their garments.  There are lots of natural leaves (jagua), which could be used to build shelters or prevent the rain from getting into the houses.

Nature:
The government has lots of land, they just need the tools to plant the food needed for survival; plantains, fruits, vegetables, and other renewable crops.  General expansion of agriculture into food, not just exports like sugar cane.  While this is an important export for the country economically, they need to provide for themselves as well.

Needs to be fulfilled:
Food: Many people are left without food in a day.

Clothes: Finding and producing clothes for children who don’t have any.

We could organize some crafts to help the people provide food and clothing as well as a possible source of income. Working together on a common gardening, farming and general food production initiative would benefit everyone.  This could also lead to developing a trade and products that the people could take into the city.

1. CONDITIONS and costs for the volunteers:

• Volunteers must pay their flight to come here.
• Volunteers must choose their apartment according to SuncampDR's price list.  They will receive a 25% discount. The airport pick up, guidance and first trip to the city cost only $20 US for volunteers. We greet you at the airport with your name on a board.

No specialization required!

Please email Diane Pellerin with any questions about this Volunteer Project! Click Here

 Volunteer English Teachers Needed

Where: Munoz village (In Puerto Plata, North Shore) Dominican Republic
Length of Stay: Some people come for 2 weeks or for years... all depends on your availability!
Types of Students: Adults or children, Dominican and Haitian
Native Languages of Students: Spanish, Creole or French
Hours/Week: 15-20

Your Approximate Costs:

Transportation to Puerto Plata (flights arrive in Santo Domingo, Santiago or Puerto Plata): approximately $300 - $700 from North America. There are seasonal deals for as little as $300 round trip.

Housing – at SuncampDR, we offer rural apartments within walking distance of the volunteer site for $100/month, utilities included

Your Approximate Costs for Food: $200-$250/month
Your Approximate Costs for Local Transportation: $40-$60/month

Duties:

Decide what classes will be taught and for whom (adults or children; beginner or intermediate, tourism or basic needs, etc.)
- Set up meeting times and locations for classes and decide limitations or regulations for attendance.
- Set goals and evaluate progress of courses and students.
- Publicize classes to the community.
- Prepare for and teach English classes as decided upon.
- Work with local hotels and tourist attractions to help find employment for advanced students. 

Also, have advanced students help out beginners and encourage a proactive, mutually beneficial learning environment. Ideally, eventually the advanced students could also become teachers.  Not just of English, but using their English skills to teach foreigners Spanish, Creole and French.

Volunteers must be self-starters as there’s not a lot of framework for the project, but plenty of ideas and plenty of need in the community. English language is an important skill that will allow adults to find work in tourism, the largest industry in the country.

Requirements: Native English-speaker. Experience teaching ESL or EFL is an asset. Conversational French or Spanish would be quite helpful.

More information: www.suncampdr.com/voluntary.htm
Diane Pellerin, info@suncampdr.com
Tel : * 809-320-1441

 Volunteer Report

Katie Leigh

May 22 – June 16, 2006 PO Box 2023, Key West, FL 33045
Ecole Muñoz.

Introduction.
The first day I arrived at the one-room school (located in the church), the teacher introduced me to the class and asked if I would talk to the older group of students while she worked with the younger group. I decided to teach them English. Once I began the lesson, the teacher stopped what she was doing to listen in. Soon she decided all the students should be involved and had the younger students turn their desks around to listen to me. Within 15 minutes of arriving in the classroom, I was in charge of the class.

I did my best teaching English to the group of 30 students ranging in age from 4 to 18 for about an hour before turning the class back over to the teacher. After break, I was again asked to teach the entire class while the teacher sat in the back and listened. I tried this for about 15 minutes before asking if I could just work with the older students. She agreed, but instead of teaching the younger students, she just left them to do what they wanted and continued to listen to my lesson.

Logistics.
School begins at 8:30 a.m. Students who are late are not admitted into the class per Haitian tradition. There is a half hour break from 10-10:30 a.m. at which time some students go home and others sit outside the classroom. This is the time for morning snack and most students come with a few pesos to buy water, crackers, bread, or a hunk of salami. Class lets out at noon.

The pastor started the school because he realized many of the children were not allowed in the Dominican school because they did not have papers (birth certificate). Some students do have papers and attend the Dominican school in the afternoon, but attend the Haitian school in the morning to learn French.

The school has about 30 students, all of Haitian descent, ranging in age from 4 to 18. The teacher doesn’t have many resources and can’t really handle this group herself. The younger students spend a lot of their time running around rowdy. The older students are very well behaved and anxious to learn.

Customs of the Haitian school system are applied in the school. Students wear uniforms. The instructor teaches in Creole or French and doesn’t speak Spanish very well. Discipline is very important. Students must have their shirts tucked in neatly, mouths clean, no food or gum are allowed in the classroom, etc.

Projects.
Text Books: Students have their own notebooks and pencils and copy most lessons from the blackboard. A Canadian man wanted to donate something to the school, so we purchased writing and mathematics books for all levels. We decided to photocopy the books rather than buy one for each child. The originals stay with the teacher.

Photocopies: Donated money was used to make photocopies of the purchased books for student use.

Story books: A variety of children’s story books were also purchased for recreational reading. I would read aloud from the books to the younger students to begin the day. With the older students, we practiced silent reading and reading aloud. For some of the students this was the first time they had read a story for pleasure.

Posters: We purchased a couple laminated maps and arithmetic charts to hang up in the classroom. Unfortunately, there is no place to leave them on the wall at the moment.

Juice and crackers: A friend of mine from the United States sent a $100 donation. With this money, we purchased juice and crackers for the children during break time. These items could be purchased in bulk ahead at the supermercado in Puerto Plata or from the colmado right next to the classroom. Powdered milk could also be purchased instead of juice.

Supplies: The rest of the money was spent on photocopies and supplies. I purchased one small box of crayons for each of the younger children (approximately 20 students). I also purchased colored construction paper, five pairs of scissors and five glue sticks. The children took their crayons home and were asked to bring them back each day.

Needs:
1. Cupboard or closet with lock to hold and organize supplies
2. Desks that are flat so crayons and pencils don’t slide off
3. Supplies: crayons, scissors, glue, drawing paper, colored construction paper, pencils, chalk, erasers
4. Books: Reading, History, Science, French, Spanish, English, etc. (We already have math and handwriting.)
5. A book of children’s games and songs in Spanish (or French or Creole)

Recommendations:
1. Split up the class into two or three groups: one permanent teacher and one or two volunteers.
2. Volunteers can help younger students learn to write numbers and letters. They can also help with projects such as coloring, drawing, cutting and pasting (creating).
3. Older students want to learn English or French. Can also practice reading in Spanish or French.
4. Summer school should include more activities and less sitting in the classroom. Examples are: sports (baseball, soccer, kickball); games (duck-duck-goose, Red Rover, ring-around-the-rosey, other ideas from book of Spanish songs and games); music; arts & crafts (cutting, pasting, tracing, drawing, coloring: can use dried macaroni or beans, cotton balls, cardboard rolls from toilet paper or paper towels, photographs, etc.)
5. Figure out some way to distribute supplies so students always have access to crayons, paper, pencils, etc. in class. Currently anything that is for classroom use gets stolen or lost almost immediately. When I asked students to take the supplies home and bring them back to class everyday, that didn’t work, either.

Conclusion.
After the first day of volunteering, I made some decisions about my participation. I told the teacher I would work with only half the class at a time. I would teach English to the older students and help her in whatever way she needed with the younger students. This worked very well for the first two weeks. The older students loved learning English and the younger students loved having a little attention.

At the end of two weeks, I arrived at school to find it cancelled because the teacher had an emergency in the family and had to return to Haiti. The pastor asked if I would teach the class for the last two weeks until school let out for the summer. It was either that, or there would be no class. How could I say no?

There was no way I could have handled the group alone, but luckily I had the help of my Haitian friend, Luisito. He was an unbelievable asset in terms of speaking their language and discipline. We split the class between the two of us, each working with the older students for half the class and the younger students for the other half. Luisito would teach French, Creole, math and writing with both groups. I continued with English for the older group and writing, drawing and coloring for the younger students.  During these last two weeks, we ended school at 11:30 a.m. and cancelled classes on Fridays. We had help from another volunteer, my friend Jill Wolfe, for the last week of class. She helped teach English, read stories to the class and played “Bingo” with the intermediate and older students.

The last day of class, we took the older students to the beach. The pastor gave us a ride to Bergantin and we enjoyed a beautiful day.

Sincerely,

Diane Pellerin
SunCampDR Director,
Telephone: 1(809) 320-1441

e-Mail: Click Here

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