DREAM Project 08-09 Annual Report(2)

DREAM Annual Report

2008-2009 Fiscal YearThe DREAM ProjectP.O. BOX 4136Ithaca, NY 14852Phone: 607-257-1981Fax: 607-257-1937

The DREAM ProjectPlaza El Patio Cabarete, Puerto PlataDominican RepublicPhone: 809-571-0497Fax: 809-571-9551

www.dominicandream.org [email protected]

C R E A T I N G T H E M O D E L : S T E P B Y S T E P

Welcome Letters from the DREAM Chairman & President and Executive Director .................... 1

Mission Statement, Vision and Facts ................................................................. ......................... 2

DREAM Montessori Preschool Program ..................... ....................................... ......................... 3

DREAM Education Center Montessori Preschool .............................................. ......................... 4

DREAM Caraballo Montessori Preschool .......................................................... ......................... 4

DREAM Libertad Montessori Preschool ............................................................ ......................... 5

DREAM Abreu Montessori Classroom ............................................................... ......................... 5

DREAM Guzman Ariza Summer School & Camp .............................................. ......................... 6

DREAM Young Stars At-Risk Program ............................................................... ......................... 7

DREAM Community Public Library .................................................................... ......................... 8

DREAM Computer Literacy Program ................................................................. ......................... 9

DREAM Center Teacher Training Program ........................................................ ......................... 10

Colonia Nueva, Puerto Cabarete, and CADIN ............................................................................. 10

DREAM Volunteer Programs ............................................................................. ......................... 11

DREAM Partner Program ................................................................................... ......................... 12

DREAM 2008-2009 Donor Directory ................................................................... ......................... 12

DREAM 2008 Financial Statement ..................................................................... ......................... 13

Staff and Board of Directors ................................................................................ ......................... 14 (back)

Table of Contents


Letter from the Executive DirectorDear DREAM Family,

My first six months as Executive Director of the DREAM Project has been exciting and eye-opening. The level of educational need seen through our academic assessments of the students could not be more urgent. The joy of reading and understanding the world around us is a human right, and the ability to use these skills to find fulfillment through employment is inalienable. Offering educational opportunities to Dominican children is a daunting mission that grows in importance daily. The under-served children of the Dominican Republic must be allowed to pursue higher education and enjoy the informational and technological-driven global economy.

DREAM’s Montessori preschools and at-risk youth program are meeting the needs of more than 1,500 young people in the community. DREAM’s Montessori preschools have grown to four sites along the North Coast and there are plans for more in the next few years. The deep pedagogy of Montessori teaches our 3-6 year olds how to learn and how to use critical thinking skills to understand the world around them. The 6th Annual Guzman Ariza Summer Camp was a great success. Trips to Ocean World and Laguna GriGri, as well as music and art classes were the highlights of the program. The students ranked math as their favorite class. Thank you to everyone who supported the students in the Parade

Letter from the President Dear DREAMers,

It is with great pleasure and pride that I write you to present our 2009 annual report. DREAM is now seven years young and has matured into a well-run, efficient charitable organization serving a broad community of children, youth and adults along the North Coast of the Dominican Republic.

A key event this year was the hiring of DREAM’s new Executive Director, Catherine DeLaura, who is an exceptionally experienced and skilled educator. I can’t think of a better person to lead the DREAM Project and provide the children of the North Coast with the powerful educational experiences and skills they need to be successful. DREAM has become more resilient than ever and has focused our work on the comprehensive education of young people from 3 – 18 years old. Starting with our Montessori Pre-Schools, the young people of Cabarete can continue to engage in educational experiences in our computer rooms, libraries and the Summer Camp and Young Stars Program. We have expanded geographically along the North Coast of the Dominican Republic and we have never been so focused, professional and efficient.

DREAM is doing very well as you can see from the report. I encourage you to read it in its entirety. With your support DREAM is doing more than ever for the wonderful people of the DR!

Thank you very much,

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Michel Zaleski, DREAM Chairman and President of the Board

and Art Show. The Young Stars program that grew out of camp continues to support public school students throughout the school year. Increased focus on literacy, mathematics, sports and music are the goals of this year’s program. The Young Star Leadership Courses allow more advanced students the ability to learn employable skills. DREAM’s Internship Program has been well-received by the Cabarete community. Our core programs would not be possible without the leadership of our expert staff, listed on the back of this report.

In the following pages, you will learn more about our programs and the individuals and community that without which it would not be possible. I am proud to be a part of this project. I thank everyone that makes this possible and welcome everyone to get involved even in small ways.

Sincerely,

Catherine DeLaura, DREAM Executive Director


VisionIt is our vision that all children born in the Dominican Republic have the opportunity to receive an education and learn to their full potential. It is our hope that our efforts can be multiplied to allow the opportunity for every child’s gifts and challenges to be met with support nationwide. It is our goal to break the cycle of poverty and change peoples’ destinies. It is our dream that the world will be a better place for the children and families of the next generation.

• In a 2008 study of academic achievement for third and sixth grade students, the Dominican Republic came in dead last in the areas of Math, Reading and Science, significantly lower than the other 16 Latin American countries participating (UNESCO, SERCE 2008).

• According to a cohort analysis of 100 children entering formal education, 52 complete the 8-year primary level. This situation is even worse in rural areas where most schools stop at grade 5 (OECD 2008).

• The Dominican Republic’s public investment in education is 1.2% of their Gross Domestic Product. (UNESCO 2007 Education For All Global Monitoring Report).

• 50% of children who enter first grade only complete four years of study (National Report on Human Development in the Dominican Republic, 2005 PNUD).

• To date, The DREAM Project has served more than 4,000 students in 9 different schools and community centers, affecting the lives of over 50,000 people in 7 different communities.

• DREAM has constructed 20 buildings, including one model education center, five libraries, 22 classrooms, three fully equipped computer labs, two community centers, new roofs, bathrooms and sports facilities.

• Since 2003, The DREAM Project has received more than $380,000 worth of in kind donations, and over 130,000 pro bono volunteer hours.

• DREAM public school partners in Cabarete have seen a 215% increase in 6th-8th grade enrollment since the DREAM Project’s involvement.

Dominican Republic Statistics:Capital City: Santo DomingoArea: 18,704 sq. miles Ethnicities: 73% Mixed, 16% White (Spaniards, French, Italians, others), 11% Black

Data from UNICEF, UNESCO, OECD, Wikipedia, PNUD, USAID Basic Education and Policy Support, and AFP

Population: 10,090,000Language: Spanish (official)Religion: 88% Roman CatholicCurrency: Dominican Republic Peso (RD$)

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 by combining volunteerism, international awareness, and community involvement into a sustainable support system.

We fulfill our mission by:• Organizing and operating summer camps, youth groups, preschools, and training facilities;• Providing Dominican and international volunteers to teach in classrooms, libraries, and laboratories;• Training and employing local teachers and administrators;• Building classrooms, computer labs, libraries, science labs, and sport recreation areas;• Securing books, school supplies, and educational materials for the classrooms;• Working in partnership with the Dominican Government, the United Nations, the U.S. Peace Corps, USAID, non-

governmental organizations, universities, and high schools throughout the world.

We are sustained through the generous contribution of time, talent, funds, materials and supplies from individuals, foundations, businesses and governments.

Mission

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Facts of the Dominican Republic DREAM Statistics

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Locations:The DREAM Education Center, Cabarete, Dominican RepublicThe DREAM Caraballo Education Center, Caraballo, Dominican Republic The DREAM Libertad Montessori Preschool, Sabaneta, Dominican RepublicThe DREAM Abreu Montessori Classroom, Abreu, Dominican Republic

Number of children participating: 405

DREAM Staff: 1 Montessori Program Director, 14 Montessori teachers, 1 DREAM volunteer, 1 janitor and 2 doormen

Program Summary:The Montessori method is an educational approach created by Maria Montessori in the late 19th century that was specifically designed for children living in poverty. This methodology focuses on self-directed activity on the part of the child and observation on the part of the teacher. One of the pillars of Montessori methodology is adapting the child’s learning environment to his or her developmental level. This specific methodology is particularly effective in environments of poverty and extreme poverty, where many children simply fall through the cracks because of an inflexible and less individually focused education system. The Montessori method tailors lessons to individual strengths, and emphasizes the role of physical activity in absorbing academic concepts and practical skills. As Maria Montessori originally intended, this method is highly effective for children living in poverty, and the Dominican culture in general.The DREAM Montessori program offers morning and afternoon classes to more than 400 students and is run by a Montessori Program Director, who oversees four separate directors and 10 full-time local Montessori trained teachers. These local teachers will continue to learn new methodologies and techniques guided by a certified Montessori Director throughout the year, who will work side by side with them in the classroom and offer workshops to expand their skills. The families of enrolled students donate two weeks of volunteer hours per year to assist in the program’s operations. These volunteer hours offset the cost of more staff and give the families an inside look into the program and the effects it has on their children. Through their participation in the model preschool, they become actively involved in the education of their children.Apart from the academic benefits of this model preschool program, a nutritious meal program was established for both morning and afternoon sessions. The first step to quality education is general health. As mentioned, the majority of the children enrolled in the Montessori program live in poverty or extreme poverty and do not have access to a healthy daily diet. Without the proper nourishment, they are not able to focus and participate in the education system. During preschool classes, children are provided basic hygiene lessons such as hand washing and tooth brushing. Parents are then invited into the classrooms to learn alongside their children in addition to health programs offered outside of school. Each student has a medical file and has annual physicals, along with dental and vision check-ups.DREAM follows each student closely and assesses their social and academic growth throughout our program. Our initial comparative performance assessments show us that former DREAM Montessori students who are now attending public school in the Caraballo and Sabaneta communities are performing at a much higher level than students of the same age who did not attend our programs.

DREAM Montessori Preschool Program

C R E A T I N G T H E M O D E L : S T E P B Y S T E P C R E A T I N G T H E M O D E L : S T E P B Y S T E P

DREAM Education Center Montessori PreschoolThe DREAM Education Center Montessori Preschool serves as the epicenter of DREAM’s model Montessori Programs. In 2002, there were over 300 children aged 3-5 living in the Colonia Nueva Community of Cabarete with no preschool programs available. In 2007, the DREAM Project opened the DREAM Education Center Model Preschool and enrolled 120 children. The DREAM Montessori program offers morning and afternoon classes to 150 students and is run by six full-time local Montessori trained teachers. We plan to increase enrollment to 180 students in the 2009-2010 school year, while adding a full time Montessori Director. The local teachers work side by side with our certified Montessori Director, who offers weekly workshops and teach them new methodologies and classroom techniques throughout the year to expand their skills. The community of Colonia Nueva benefits greatly from this model Montessori preschool program that DREAM hopes will someday resonate throughout the Dominican Republic.

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DREAM Caraballo Montessori PreschoolThe town and batey of Caraballo is made up of Dominican, Haitian Dominican and Haitian residents living in conditions of poverty and extreme poverty. This community suffers from geographic isolation and a dependency on local sugar cane production, which has all but ceased. The children participating in this project live in the worst conditions of extreme poverty and have almost no hope for overcoming this predicament without outside assistance. The Caraballo Montessori Preschool program offers morning and afternoon classes to 100 students and is run by five full-time local Montessori trained teachers. These local teachers will also be trained by our certified Montessori Director throughout the year, learning new Montessori classroom techniques and methodologies.The involvement of Caraballo’s parents is especially important, not only because of the valuable hours of work to offset staff costs, but their inclusion in the process of education. Most of these parents have not had the opportunity to complete a primary education, so their participation will reinforce the new role education has in the family’s life.


DREAM Libertad Montessori PreschoolThe community of Villa Progreso has seen significant growth in the last five years and its demand for quality education is stronger than ever. One of the most selfless and altruistic members of the region, Paulina Tremblay, established a modest school on a small piece of land in 1998 to confront this need. Unfortunately, the facility lacked the resources and financial support necessary to operate, and was in desperate need of outside assistance to reach its full potential. After an organized petition by the community and the continued collaboration of the property’s owner, DREAM reopened the school with two teachers and 103 3-6 year olds divided into morning and afternoon sessions. This project is a perfect example of what can happen when a community takes control of its own destiny and demands quality education for its children. These young certified teachers are members of the community and will receive formal training in Montessori methodology and techniques. This free facility offers the children of Villa Progreso the absolute highest quality of education available, and prepares them for a successful academic future.

DREAM Abreu Montessori ClassroomThe DREAM Project has been invited to open a preschool class for 35 3-4 year olds in the Abreu Public School. DREAM was first sponsored by the Playa Grande Foundation to study the needs of this community and diagnose the most effective way to improve their education system. The Abreu public school has a unique history of Montessori education, which was originally supported through an Italian non-profit organization that has since left the area. They already have an established Montessori kindergarten program, but were not able to finish their training and the implementation of the Montessori method was not completed. Unfortunately, this program lost its sponsorship when the organization moved on and was left without a budget for training, materials and professional supervision. Our classroom of 3-4 year olds will support the school readiness of future 5 year olds entering their kindergarten program, while the teachers receive weekly training and oversight from the DREAM Montessori Director. This model program compliments this hardworking community and prepares them for the continued development in the region.

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Address Abreu

Dominican Republic

© Google Maps


DREAM Guzman Ariza Summer School & Camp

Program Summary: The DREAM Guzman Ariza Summer School & Camp is a 4-week educational summer program for at-risk youth in the town of Cabarete. Over 90% of the 2009 Summer Camp students were “At-Risk”, meaning they were two grade levels or more behind in school, not enrolled in school, of Haitian heritage and/or physically disabled. The camp gives children the chance to experience field trips to areas outside of their local community and provides the educational support needed to reverse the trend of increasing dropout rates. The program is divided between youth and adolescents and offers core academic subjects such as reading, writing, English and math, in addition to camp-related activities like swimming, art, sports, music and dance. There are also mini-courses for the adolescents that focus on employable skills. These courses consist of a Newspaper Group, Art Studio, Boys and Girls groups (modeled after Boy & Girl Scouts) and an apprenticeship program that places adolescents in internships with local businesses. We also offer sexual awareness and health programming through the help of trained counselors from San Francisco Sano and Fútbol Para La Vida (Grassroots Soccer). In 2008, DREAM officially partnered with USAID, whose generous grant has supported the model program, contributing to the great success of the 2008 and the 2009 DREAM Guzman Ariza Summer School & Camp. Students’ academic growth during Summer Camp 2008 and 2009 was impressive on assessments in reading, writing and mathematics. These students have the ability to continue this important academic work throughout the school year as part of the Young Stars program.

Locations:The DREAM Education CenterCabarete, Dominican Republic

Colonia Nueva Public SchoolCabarete, Dominican RepublicNumber of children participating each year: 160 youth aged 10-12100 adolescents aged 13-18

DREAM Staff: 111 including paid staff, teachers, and local and foreign volunteers

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Field Trips: Upon entering summer camp, many campers report never hav-ing left their immediate neighbor-hood. In the program, we offer trips to many places, including:• Islabón Nature Preserve• Ocean World in Puerto Plata• Puerto Plata International

Airport• Haitian Batey in Caraballo

(sugar cane plantation)• Casa Cultural de Leon in

Santiago• Laguna GriGri (a local nature

reserve)

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DREAM Young Stars At-Risk Program

Locations:The DREAM Education CenterCabarete, Dominican Republic

The DREAM Caraballo Education CenterBatey Caraballo, Dominican RepublicNumber of children participating in 2009-2010: 100 at the DREAM Education Center50 at the DREAM Caraballo Education Center

DREAM Staff: 1 Youth Director, 4 DREAM volunteers

Program Summary:After continued success with at-risk youth programs like the Guzman Ariza DREAM Summer School & Camp, the DREAM Project officially launched the Young Stars Program in the fall of 2008, enrolling over 80 local youth. The Young Stars (Estrellas Jóvenes) program operates within two of our sites, the DREAM Education Center and the DREAM Caraballo Education Center in Batey Caraballo. These 12-week extracurricular programs are for at-risk adolescents between the ages of 10 and 18 and run two times during the academic year. A continuation of the foundation laid in summer camp, the Young Stars program in the DREAM Center in Cabarete offers leadership and literacy classes over four hours a day for four days a week. Literacy courses, a major focus of the program, center on reading, writing, math, computers and library skills. Leadership courses offer employable leadership skills through courses on journalism, young men’s and women’s issues, computers, ESL, and internships, where students are placed in local businesses to obtain experience and possible future employment. Local community volunteers have initiated a music program that includes piano, recorder and violin classes. The local Dominican public schools are critical partners and have benefited greatly from our work with their at-risk students. DREAM continues to track our students’ academic growth and strength through literacy and mathematics assessment systems appropriate for our youth.

Through the DREAM At-Risk Youth Program, students have the opportunity to improve their academic performance and engage in programs that confront the modern challenges of Dominican youth, while learning essential life skills such as teamwork, leadership, communication, decision-making skills, and the importance of community service. Based on its initial success, DREAM launched a mini Young Stars program at the Caraballo Education Center for the 2009-2010 school year. Highlights of the Caraballo program include an active youth group, HIV/AIDS awareness classes provided by Fútbol Para La Vida, and academic tutoring. The Young Stars Programs are principally taught by full-year volunteers from North America.


DREAM Community Public Library Location: The DREAM Education Center Callejón de la Loma, Cabarete, Dominican Republic

Projected number of participants in 2009-2010: Over 800 Library Members, 160 preschool students and

100 “Estrellas Jóvenes” participants

DREAM Staff: 1 Senior Librarian, 1 Assistant Librarian from the local

high school, various DREAM volunteers

Program Summary:The DREAM Library started five years ago as a simple shelf of books located at the Colonia Nueva Public Elementary School in Cabarete. This small library was run by DREAM volunteers, but lacked the resources to offer the students and local community a variety of books and services. Once the DREAM Center was built, a strong community movement led by local business owner Marie Josee Barshi transformed this small library into one of the finest public libraries on the North Coast of the Dominican Republic. There are now more than 700 active members, and an average of 273 books are borrowed each month.

The DREAM Public Library provides free access to over 3,000 books and reference materials to all members of the community, in addition to programs designed to strengthen literacy and public education. The program is overseen by a qualified Senior Librarian and an Assistant Librarian from the local high school who is trained to run “Story Hours” and assist students in using the library’s resources effectively. The Story Hour Program introduces illiterate children to an hour of storytelling, which encourages children to learn to read on their own. These staff members also assist with the Young Stars (Estrellas Jóvenes) Program that uses the library as a base for its literacy programs. The Audio Book Recording Program has been implemented this year and continues to expand its reach. The facility will continue to develop as a key circulation point for the Puerto Cabarete School and Caraballo Library, spreading its resources even further. DREAM plans on hiring a Reading Specialist who will assist students in the Young Stars Program at the library, while developing more community-based Adult Literacy Programs and promoting the library to all local schools to encourage student participation.

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Friends of the Library:ABREU, Jorge & FamiliaAGUAYO, RaulAGUAYO, Alfonso & VivianAVAKIAN, JohnBAILEY, Jennifer and AlanBARSHI, Ursi & ImanuelBARSHI, Gabriel & BatShevaBARRIENTOS, EvelynBEAR, Dr. MarkBEENEY, Alix and CraigBENTLEY, Jr., John C. BIENVENUE, DanieleBROWN, Ken & ElaineBRODY, Howard & GinetteCamino Del Sol – Roberto DonoCANISTRA, EllenCASONI, Roberto & SarahCASALES, AnneCOLLIER, KarenColegio Virgen De La Luz Tarifa (Spain)DOYLE, Michael and ChristineElementary school LAURIER (Montreal)ESTEBAN, RicardoEVANS, LeeFARINGTHON, AdolfoFEINSTEIN, AdamFONDEUR, Enrique & MonicaFRANK, MaryanneGAGNE, DianeGITELSON, AmnonGORLITZZ, GailGORBEA, JavierGYSIN, Christine & BalthazarPOIRIER HEINE, DanielleHENRIQUEZ, Ena RosaHERTSENS, Eric & CarmenInternational Furniture & Design Center

JACOB, James L.JUBOORI, ValerieKAVANAGH, Peter & MaryKEEREWEER, Lex and JacquelineLAUREL EASTMAN KITEBOARDINGLEHMAN BROTHERS STAFFSAN DIEGO COUNTY LIBRARYLISA KIRKMAN GALLERYMARCHESSAULT, Marie LyneMILZ, Ivonne & FreddyMORENO, Jorge & CarmenMOTES, GayleNADAL, Carlos Julio and MariaNORTHRUP, EliOLIVA, Franco & VivianPatio Worx, SosuaPENZO, NoemiPERDOMO, JuanPOLEG, Cindy & ArielPOLGAR, Lora & PaulPunta Cana Beach ResortRABINOVITCH, Donald & IreneRABENA, ChusREICHERT, Michael & WendyREMER, JocelyneRIVADULLA, PauletteROSILLO, Guillermo & ChristinaROSSWAAG, Catherine P.RUST, Susan E.SEINDENBERG, Peter & FranSERALE, CaroleSTANZIALLE, Sra LucilleSTARK, BillTakeoff Destination ServiceTANGEN, Anne & RoyTRINQUET, AlexandraWILDE, Steve and KimWOODCOCK, Rod


Locations: The DREAM Education Center LISTA Computer LabCabarete, Dominican Republic

Puerto Cabarete Public School Computer LabCabarete, Dominican Republic

Number of children participating in 2009-2010: 405 children

DREAM Staff: 2 Peace Corps volunteers, 1 DREAM volunteer

Facts:• Before DREAM’s first computer

lab, 98% of students in Cabarete had never used a computer

• In the last three years, over 2,000 children have received training in DREAM sponsored computer labs

• The LISTA Computer Lab has 10 Apple iMac desktop computers, new furniture, a sophisticated back-up system, 24-hour power and wireless Internet access

• The Puerto Cabarete Com-puter Lab has 10 Dell Vosotros desktop computers and Internet access.

Program Summary:In 2004, the DREAM project opened the first computer lab in the region with 24-hour Internet and electricity at the Puerto Cabarete School. DREAM subsequently opened two more labs – the first in the CADIN School and the second in the newly built DREAM Education Center. Through the support of LISTA (Latinos Information Science and Technology Associates), these two labs were offering computer literacy to even more children. From 2006-2008, Lehman Brothers raised thousands of dollars to provide the DREAM Education Center with 12 new iMac computers, new furniture, a state of the art back-up system, and wireless access to the entire community. The DREAM Computer Literacy Program introduces children to information technology through top of the line computer labs and instruction, using digital resources and teaching the skills needed to join the modern work force.

For the 2009-10 school year, the Peace Corps will be providing DREAM with two IT Volunteers to run the labs in the DREAM Education Center and Puerto Cabarete Public school. They will offer courses in computer and Internet skills, mathematics and English, using a variety of academic software and the US Embassy Virtual Library, which offers access to thousands of volumes of documents, books and research materials. The Peace Corps volunteers will work closely with the teachers in Puerto Cabarete school to offer curriculum support, in addition to community classes. They will maintain the labs, update the software and ensure the labs are fully operational while the DREAM volunteer will assist their work and evaluate the programs through student work projects, teacher & student surveys/interviews and observations.

DREAM Computer Literacy Program

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DREAM Center Teacher Training ProgramThe goals of the Teacher Training program are to ensure sustainable professional development for Cabarete public school teachers, and to create an assessment system that captures students’ academic growth, which can be used to inform and improve public school instruction. In the past, DREAM has used model classrooms in Cabarete’s public schools and during the summer camp program to demonstrate new instructional strategies to local teachers. Surveys and observations have shown traction with these programs, so DREAM has continued the momentum from the 2009 Summer Camp by creating a Professional Learning Community and providing professional development to clusters of teachers in the Puerto Cabarete, CADIN, La Cienega and Colonia Nueva schools. Schools need structured time for teachers to work together in planning instruction, observing each other’s classrooms, and sharing feedback. A real Professional Learning Community looks at student work for proof of academic growth. In addition, our presence in the local schools will allow us to measure academic gains of former Model Classroom students who are now entering upper elementary grades.

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Colonia Nueva Public SchoolLa Colonia Nueva School in the Colonia Nueva community in Cabarete is a K-8 public school operated by the Ministry of Education. When DREAM first became involved in La Colonia Nueva School, there were four classrooms for 220 children. The school was overcrowded and lacked many basic learning tools. The DREAM Project built four new classrooms, elevated the entire property two meters to stop flooding, rebuilt all the roofs, and constructed two bathrooms and a library to help improve the learning environment. Over the past five years the school’s enrollment has increased to 550 total students. Currently, seven Colonia Nueva teachers are participating in the Guzman Ariza Summer Camp Teacher Training Program and working with a DREAM Academic Trainer throughout the school year. Our goal is to support public school teachers to align their classrooms with a child-centered philosophy of learning, which includes innovative activities and parent involvement.

Puerto Cabarete Public SchoolThe Puerto Cabarete School, a public K-8 school operated by the Ministry of Education, has an enrollment of approximately 300 students. The DREAM Project has built and equipped a computer lab, small library and science lab to meet the growing demand of Puerto Cabarete’s students. In addition, DREAM has rebuilt all of the structure’s roofs and outfitted a safe playground for children to exercise in. A DREAM sponsored Peace Corps Volunteer currently works full time in the computer lab and library, overseeing the literacy and computer literacy programs based in these facilities. Puerto Cabarete teachers also participate in the Guzman Ariza Summer Camp Teacher Training Program and work with a DREAM Academic Trainer throughout the academic school year.

CADIN SchoolCADIN is a private Pre-K-9 school located in Islabón. CADIN is owned and administered by Flavia Vidal, who originally opened a small one-room school for her cousin’s 10 children. Within fifteen days, enrollment from neighborhood children increased the total number of students threefold and the community’s need was clear. Although Flavia Vidal had the drive to make a difference, she had neither the finances nor resources to accomplish her goals. The DREAM Project was able to construct a library and four new classrooms to ensure enrollment would continue to grow. At the end of 2004, a new, fully equipped computer lab and three new classrooms were constructed. Today, CADIN boasts an enrollment of over 450 students, including a new 9th grade high school classroom. The DREAM Project facilitates support for CADIN from international service groups and local community members, who help the school maintain a high standard of education. Through DREAM participation and support, CADIN has evolved into a sustainable school that serves as a model of success.


DREAM Volunteer ProgramsEach year the DREAM Project recruits approximately 40 volunteers and 10 certified teachers to help run our various programs. The DREAM Volunteer Program is the heart of the organization, allowing DREAM to expand its reach to more disadvantaged youth and enrich the lives of our volunteers forever. Thanks to over 130,000 hours of pro bono volunteer work, the lives and education of the children under the DREAM umbrella have greatly improved.

Summer Program:The volunteer program for the DREAM Guzman Ariza Summer School & Camp includes a week of orientation and four weeks serving in the camp as a teacher, counselor or area instructor. The camp provides opportunities for children to improve their academics, and learn about their environment and culture through hands-on learning and educational excursions. Camp volunteers work with Dominican staff while developing their own specialized educational programs for students. The camp typically runs from the last weekend in June to the last weekend in July. Interested volunteers must have intermediate to advanced Spanish speaking skills, experience working with children, and be at least 18 years of age at the start of camp.

Academic Year Program:Our year-long volunteers work in schools with children born into poverty, providing additional support for Dominican teachers who are themselves victims of the same poor education system. By acting as role models for children, bringing new techniques into classrooms for teachers, and acting as community liaisons, volunteers help provide new opportunities to the children and the community. Year-long volunteers can choose to participate in the summer program as well, at the beginning and/or end of their stay. The academic year runs from late August to late May. Year-long volunteers must be at least 21, have a working knowledge of Spanish (advanced fluency preferred), a Bachelor’s degree and/or experience working with children, and the ability and willingness to adapt to new situations and work in a less-structured environment.

Student Trips:The DREAM Project works with high school, college and organized groups to provide full service philanthropic missions. These service learning trips can consist of various opportunities, such as building/rebuilding infrastructure, repainting classroom walls, repairing desks, academic workshops in our libraries, computer labs, sports programs, at-risk youth programs, or providing customized workshops for older children or teachers. In addition, DREAM specializes in logistics from the moment groups land in the airport. Besides working on their educational service project, the group can also explore the country with excursions throughout their stay. Please send student trip inquiries to [email protected].

Minimum Requirements:• Must be at least 18 for the Summer Program and 21 for the Academic Year Program.• A working knowledge of Spanish (must be able to communicate effectively in Spanish with children)

How to apply:• Download an application at www.dominicandream.org• Apply by February 1st for the summer program, March 1st for the year-long program. Late

applications will be accepted on a case-by-case basis.• Be sure to include 3 letters of recommendation, completed essays, and application fee (to cover

processing costs) with your application. Applications will not be reviewed unless completed in full.• Send completed application to our US office: PO Box 4136, Ithaca, NY 14852.

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How do I become a volunteer?


The DREAM Project has been fortunate enough to receive the support of numerous individuals not listed here. We would like to thank each and every member who has supported our cause though donated time, services, money and/or resources. Every donation is both needed and appreciated. On behalf of the children who have benefited from your generosity, we thank you for joining us to make the DREAM Project stronger than ever.

AMBASSADORS ($12,000 AND ABOVE)Banco PopularBoykin Curry, Playa Grande FoundationDunn Family Charitable FoundationWilliam S. FriedmanDean GriederSpencer Kimball, Kimball Family Foundation Lehman Brothers Marquee DevelopmentSea Horse RanchEdward Thorndike USAIDUS Embassy Office of Public AffairsMichel Zaleski

MENTORS ($10,000-$11,999)Deborah BouknightCanadian Embassy CapgeminiThe Cumming FamilyFabio Guzman, Guzman Ariza & AssociatesJoe Pagano, Essence FoundationKenneth ReidJennifer Tuvell & Ace Alan Baily

BENEFACTORS ($5,000-$9,999)AccentureScott Brown, Clean Development GroupMicheline BrunelleCafe Alta GraciaGlen CharlowGeorge Coutu, Ocean DREAMHawk Pointe FoundationHelios & MathesonJewish Communal FundJim Smith BoatsLarsen & ToubroLoadout Services, Inc.Robert MartellPyxis SolutionsMichael ReichertSAS Jose Veras Pola, MD & Ana de Aguiar, MD

VISIONARY MEMBERS ($1,000-$4,999)Julia Alvarez & Bill Eichner, Alta GraciaAnonymousAudrey Hillman Fisher FoundationJohn BarryLarry BeaulaurierBeyond the Beach Children’s FoundationHoward & Ginette BrodyArol BuntzmanCanadian Academy & The Khosrowshahi FamilyFrank CassirerMichael Cencich, Rochester Community SchoolsCharlie CorteseJuliana CroftsSeth CutlerDan D’Armond, BMCRoxanna Feldmann

Forest ElectricAnthony GeraceThe Goldie Anna Charitable TrustMarie GousseNancy Griffith, Russell Griffith FoundationHCL AmericaMichael HirschhornICAPInternational Brotherhood of WorkersSheila R. Kennedy, The Patchwork Charitable FoundationCarol KirkmanPaul J. KnightNorman LerchenChristopher Lopez Lumina FoundationMax B Cohn Foundation Janinne MilazzoJorge Moreno de AlboranKee Park, Kiteboarding 4 KidsPerformance GroupJohn ReinhardtAndrea Riddle, EAC Montessori School of IthacaBret RodriguezCarlos SantiagoEd SchmidtJoseph SclafaniSnappleNancy StantonKenneth StonePortosa StudiosMolly TaylorVerizonThe Weiss Family, Clay Hill Properties and FACE Stockholm, LTDLois T. WhiteKen Wieselman, Medi Drapes, Inc.Richard Wilch, Associated Chemists, Inc.Wilmot Wheeler FoundationMr. & Mrs. WilsonSteve Woods

PARTNERS: CORPORATE AMBASSADORSBanco PopularDean GriederGuzman Ariza & AssociatesLehman BrothersMarquee DevelopmentOcean DreamPlaya Grande FoundationPlaya Grande InvestmentsSea Horse Ranch SUPPORTING PARTNERSBeyond the Beach FoundationCabarete Beach housesCabarete Palm Beach CondosCarib Wind CenterCoral Bay Real EstateGran Cabana Hotel and Spa

The following have donated between January 1, 2008 and June 30, 2009

To learn more about becoming a partner, please e-mail [email protected].

12 DREAMProject

DREAM Partner Program

Guido Perdomo Law OfficesHaciendas El ChocoHome Key ManagementJuan Perdomo Century 21L’AgenceLaurel Eastman KiteboardingNatura CabanasNeurauter and AssociatesOcean Sands CasinoOcean WorldSelect Caribbean PropertiesSnappleToma La LunaTours Trips Treks and TravelsVela WindsurfingVilla Taina

PARTNERSCoastalDick’s BakerySandro’s RestaurantScotia BankServiMedUniversal Car RentalVillas de OroWilson’s Beach House STUDENT & SERVICE GROUP PARTNERSBrigham Young UniversityBrown UniversityThe Gailer SchoolIndiana UniversityLawrence AcademyLISTARegiopolis Notre DameSouth Burlington High school

IN KIND DONORS ($1000 OR MORE):Claudio AliagaAri & Marie Josee BarshiMayerling BonnellyDeborah BouknightPascale BoutrySkip, Gail & William CatherCourtland Park International SchoolMichael and Christine DoyleFriends Cargo International Birgit Treue Garcia, Hotel Residencia Hotel Casa BlancaInternational HOPE Canada, Inc. Lisa Kirkman, Motif GalleryLupo’s T-Shirt Design Ocean OneOcean PointOcean WorldDennis O’SullivanFrancisco Rosario San Diego County LibraryLucille StanzialeGuenther Thallinger, GT7 Media Hill Van GoghMichel Zaleski

2 0 0 8 - 2 0 0 9 D O N O R D I R E C T O R Y

C R E A T I N G T H E M O D E L : S T E P B Y S T E P C R E A T I N G T H E M O D E L : S T E P B Y S T E P DREAMProject 13

The Dominican Republic Education And Mentoring Project, INC.

Schedule of Functional ExpensesYear Ended June 30, 2008 with Comparative Totals for 2007

D R E A M F I N A N C I A L S T A T E M E N T

See independent auditors report for additional information.

Supporting Services 2008 2007 Program Management Total Total Services and General Fundraising Expenses Expenses

Salaries and fees $214,495 $23,822 $50,810 $289,127 $192,255Payroll taxes and fringe benefits 37,599 6,776 11,790 56,165 38,502Volunteer professional services 330,610 - - 330,610 451,973Insurance 2,500 - - 2,500 2,500Brochures and advertising expense - - 15,483 15,483 6,592 Child sponsorship 3,484 - - 3,484 1,994Photography - - 1,076 1,076 3,308Building projects and equipment 51,724 - - 51,724 19,547Fundraising fees 2,058 - 396 2,454 17,525Program development 4,179 - - 4,179 511 Bank and other charges - 3,549 - 3,549 694Office supplies and expenses - 8,755 - 8,755 7,837School supplies 77,034 - - 77,034 33,716Meals 13,520 - - 13,520 6,848Professional fees 3,826 24,205 - 28,031 20,627 Repairs and maintenance 7,854 430 - 8,284 18,198Telephone - 16,474 - 16,474 10,576Postage - 573 1,865 2,438 1,615Printing and copying - 227 - 227 316Occupancy - 15,550 - 15,550 9,833 Staff development 8,509 - - 8,509 5,643Transportation 89,523 1,326 1,621 92,470 63,084Depreciation - 18,567 - 18,567 13,688Miscellaneous expenses 7,031 112 2,154 9,297 7,359

Total Expenses, 2008 $853,946 $120,366 $85,195 $1,059,507 Total Expenses, 2007 $777,522 $89,205 $68,014 $934,741

www.dominicandream.org [email protected]

Honorary ChairpersonCelines Toribio

Chairman and President Michel Zaleski

Executive Director Catherine DeLaura

Development DirectorJonathan Wunderlich

Board of Directors Marie Josee BarshiArol BuntzmanAdriano EspaillatWilliam S. FriedmanSpencer W. KimballGuillermo LinaresKevin P. ManningSteven Wolfe Pereira

Board of AdvisorsRobert BacaS. Ted FosterTim HallBill KirkmanRobert MartellMichele Wucker

Program & Office StaffSocorro AcevedoJulie De SmetGloribelle HernandezEmily MacDowell

The DREAM Project would like to personally thank all of our donors, volunteers, staff and board members for their continued dedication. In a time when many are struggling to make ends meet, you have been there for the children of the Dominican Republic, and we cannot thank you enough!

The DREAM ProjectP.O. BOX 4136Ithaca, NY 14852Phone: 607-257-1981Fax: 607-257-1937

The DREAM ProjectPlaza El Patio, CabaretePuerto Plata, Dominican RepublicPhone: 809-571-0497Fax: 809-571-9551

Written and Edited by Catherine DeLaura, Emily MacDowell, and Jonathan Wunderlich. Photos by Kathryn Frank, Roger Gousse, Kadeidra Honey, Rachel Norton, Lindsey Parr, Rachel Price, Genesis Reyes, Silvan Wick, and Michel Zaleski. Designed by Emily MacDowell with original design elements by Lorraine Coolidge.

Teaching StaffEmiliana BravoMaria CiriacoRuth Esther Cruz CompresLuisa GonzalezAmarilis Mena GonzalezEmmanuel Guerrero Gloria GuionMaireni Joseph LuisJuana Caraballo Martinez

Wilson Sefo MichelJosé Miguel Toribio MilanésDanilsi Dahyana Felix ParraWilner PierreDilenia Peña RojasGregoria RubénMaribel Arias SantosDorina Joseph VerdierEsthel Taverez Zaiz

Support StaffAlfonso BonillaPedro CerdaFelicia de la CruzJoselyn Marte YanVicente Martinez MartinezMaria Rebeca Robles Liriano

DREAM Project 08-09 Annual Report(2)

Documents

dream projectplaza

dream partner program

dream chairman president

dream annual report2008

dream young stars

dream volunteer programs

fiscal yearthe dream

dream community public