Dominican Republic
Students from SW Washington and El Rodeo, DR, usher in the official return of Courts for Kids
April 2022 In a world seemingly bent on division amongst ideology, this experience has restored my faith in humanity. I needed to fill my soul, I wanted to remind myself of the importance of this kind of work. I have been well fed ~ Jason, chaperone When 24 Courts For Kids volunteers arrived in El […]
Read MoreCristo Rey students found a home in the community, people and their hearts in Buen Hombre, Dominican Republic
August 2019 “I learned that the community is full of good hearts. They care deeply for those they love. Also, I learned that the community are passionate about their religion and traditions.” – Ailani The time spent helping build a basketball court, for the people of Buen Hombre was nothing short of an amazing time. […]
Read MoreFeelings of pride, joy, and enthusiasm felt from the students of Jesuit Portland during their time in Don Juan, Dominican Republic
July 2019 On one of our last nights in Don Juan, as we sat quietly listening to the chirping cicadas, the squealing of dogs, and the revving of motorcycles, our leader, Sara, asked for us to take a minute in quiet and think of one word to describe how we were feeling. As we went […]
Read MoreSt. John’s Jesuit High School experiences “A feeling that money can’t buy” in Judea Nueva, Dominican Republic
June 2019 Two St. John’s Jesuit students, Andrew and Chet contributed their perspectives and experiences to make this story. Service in the Dominican Republic was as powerful and impactful for me as it was helpful for the community. Yes, helping to build the court was hard work. We filled, lifted, and poured thousands of buckets […]
Read MoreCentral Catholic students learned, “Happiness is better when it is shared” in Los Rios, Dominican Republic
June 2019 This trip was something that I think each person who went could agree on. It was an amazing experience that taught everyone important life lessons. I know that each time I think back to this trip, I’ll remember nothing but good times and many laughs I shared while being in Los Rios. From […]
Read MoreA Dream becomes a Reality for Batey 9 in the Dominican Republic with help from the Institute of Notre Dame
May 2019 This court story is a combination of two perspectives, that of the local community and the group of volunteers. Written by Molly, Institute of Notre Dame student and Alexis, and Peace Corps Volunteer in the Dominican Republic. Every idea needs an opportunity and a little hope to convert a dream into reality. There […]
Read MoreNo Water, No Problem – Xavier Students In Los Miche, Dominican Republic
‘Water’s Out for the Summer’ by PCV Courtney Nelson This summer my small border community in the Dominican Republic had the pleasure of hosting 16 students and their three chaperones from Xavier High School in Appleton, Wisconsin for a week while we worked to build a basketball court. This group surpassed my expectations in every […]
Read MoreJesuit Portland Students’ Adventure in El Guayabo, Dominican Republic
As with all great adventures, the beginning and end of this trip were the memorable bookends for a story worth telling. As Paul Simon sings in “Still Crazy After All These Years”, our trip began and ended when it was “Four in the morning” and we were “crapped out, yawning”. Our nine days of service, […]
Read MoreK State Athletes Build with the Community of Matayaya, Dominican Republic
If you were to ask me to create a list of words of what I thought my experience in the Dominican Republic would be like prior to going, it might have been something like this: adventure, culture shock, poverty, fulfilling, service, and barriers with the community among other things. While we tried hard to learn […]
Read MoreSouthwest Washington Students Partner with La Lima, Dominican Republic for Spring Break
Traveling to La Lima, Dominican Republic, will forever be a time of my life where I’ll look back on it and wish to go back. I went into this trip with a positive mindset, very excited for all the new things I was about to experience. I think this allowed me to get the most […]
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