Written By: Wilbur Whitney, Ph.D., Director of the Bonner Office of Community Service
Eleven senior Bonner scholars participated in the 11th Bonner Service Program to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, in partnership with Project Esperanza. The Director of Project Esperanza, Caitlin McHale, continues the mission of education, social aid, and community development for the Haitian immigrant population. Kathy McHall was the volunteer coordinator and was excellent at assisting with translation, setting up programs, and communicating with our local partner.
The scholars developed educational projects for 180 Haitian Refugee youth ages 4-15 who attend the Project Esperanza school. Each morning, scholars and students traveled to the farm owned by Project Esperanza. The scholars orchestrated several education projects, including learning about recycling, a scavenger hunt to learn English, and an arts and crafts project using local plants. The scholars completed several construction projects each afternoon, from painting classrooms to refurbishing outdoor spaces. Finally, scholars participated in a reflection session to discuss the day’s activities and how they could enhance their impact. This was also a time when scholars could reflect on what they had learned about the culture and the relationship between Haiti and the Dominican Republic.
On the final day, we organized a Christmas store for the school, the last day before their Christmas break. Dr. Whitney’s wife purchased and collected items from her church, which included school supplies, toys, clothing, and gifts for the students and their parents. Scholars shipped 10 boxes as luggage for the store. Students received points for their attendance and grades. They used their points to purchase items from the store. The Christmas store was a real success as the school celebrated the holidays.
The Bonner International Service Program continues to be a successful immersion experience. For many of our scholars, this was their first time traveling internationally and experiencing a different culture. Serving Haitian refugees in the Dominican Republic was an excellent learning opportunity, and as a result, many of our scholars will continue to support Project Esperanza.
Tag(s):
Student Success