This past week, Project Las Americas has donated a water filter to the Club! The website says about the water filter; "A sixty dollar investment can empower a family to produce their own potable water for fifty years with the BioSand water filter, developed by Dr. Dave Manz. A simple and effective means to reduce child mortality in developing countries. The combination of the robust and sustainable technology with a comprehensive Technology Transfer Intervention model has brought safe drinking water to thousands of families. Filtration is a simple process which is followed by post-chlorination. The beneficiaries use the water to drink, cook, clean and bath. The filter can produce in excess of 100 gallons per day which exceeds the usual needs of a family. Filters are also installed in schools and other institutions serving lager groups. Due to the combined efforts of all alliance partners, as of 2008, 18,000 families had access to potable water in the Dominican Republic via the BioSand filter. Project Las Americas made a ten year commitment to working towards the elimination of water born diseases. We hope to cooperate and assist others to take this technology to other developing countries."
We will have classes of the importance of clean water for good health and sanitation, and instructions on how to use and implement the water filter program. I am so excited! Everyone who has been here knows the terrible conditions the people live in and the lack of clean water is number one on the list of problems. What a tremendous gift to our club. Thank you!!!!
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Saturday Clubs
The Girls Club... The older girls are working on an art project and the little kids are colouring. The girls, WAY more so than the boys, are very, very competitive in everything they do (not only in the Club- I notice this behaviour when they are at home playing as well). They all really want to get that extra attention and to feel special.
The Boys Club. They are singing one of the English-Spanish songs that we play for them in Class. Using music to teach English helps them to remember the words. We have songs for the days of the week, colours, body parts, etc.
The Boys Club. They are singing one of the English-Spanish songs that we play for them in Class. Using music to teach English helps them to remember the words. We have songs for the days of the week, colours, body parts, etc.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Crabbing In Playa Oeste
Many of the kids in the Club are from Playa Oeste, a very poor area of Puerto Plata that means West Beach in english. We also have kids from Barrio Nuevo and Aguas Negras. This video shows what life is like in Playa Oeste. Kids in the video = Andy, Andrieli, and Coco (and a mother, Sonia). Andy was out in the water looking for crabs. He is 13 years old and because his father died, he takes on the role of 'man of the house' and does his best to provide for his family. Not only can you see the filth of the beach that they live on, but you can also see the work that goes into providing for a family in the DR.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
School Uniform Drive
As was mentioned in another post, right now the big fundraiser Dove is having is for school uniforms. School starts next week!! We have 70 children in our program that we would love to be able to provide school uniforms for. It is $40.00 US to buy 2 shirts, bottoms, undershirts and underpants, socks, shoes and gym clothes notebooks and pencils. This will put a child in school. School is free in the DR, but many families cannot afford the uniforms. No uniforms = no school. As of a few days ago, we have only raised funds for 10 children to have uniforms. Last year we provided uniforms for FIFTY children, so we need to at least meet that number, if not exceed it to be able to help every child in our program (70).
Go to DOVE's website on the Support page and donated $40 on the paypal, and a child will be able to attend school. Education is the BEST way to get these children out of poverty. And as an interesting sidenote, the children of mothers who have had a primary education are 40% more likely to reach the age of 5. So not only are you helping these kids, you putting them in school will be helping their future generations to come.
In this video, Liz is taking some of the kids out for ice cream before going to get their uniforms. In the second, they are in the store getting their supplies, and in the third, they are showing off what they got. Yoandi, Andy, Andrieli, Meriledi, Yordi, and Loraina are in the videos. Thank you to Cathy and Deb for paying for their uniforms!
Go to DOVE's website on the Support page and donated $40 on the paypal, and a child will be able to attend school. Education is the BEST way to get these children out of poverty. And as an interesting sidenote, the children of mothers who have had a primary education are 40% more likely to reach the age of 5. So not only are you helping these kids, you putting them in school will be helping their future generations to come.
In this video, Liz is taking some of the kids out for ice cream before going to get their uniforms. In the second, they are in the store getting their supplies, and in the third, they are showing off what they got. Yoandi, Andy, Andrieli, Meriledi, Yordi, and Loraina are in the videos. Thank you to Cathy and Deb for paying for their uniforms!
Murals
The following is written by Sarah, one member of a team of 6 working in the DR and Haiti for three weeks.
Time is flying by - I cannot believe it has been a week since I last wrote. We were blessed enough to spend another day with Liz and the boys, which we all enjoyed. In the morning, we drove to Puerto Plata, met up with Liz, and drove to the boys' and girls' club building. We were greeted by the boys we met last friday with hugs and kisses, and then we headed up to check out Liz's new building. A beautiful spot for a club, but pretty bland to say the least. Liz asked if we would like to paint a mural, and of course, we took on the challenge! After a quick stretching/exercise session with the kids, we grabbed some paint brushes and paint and went at it. We had it completely finished by one o'clock, and rewarded ourselves with a lunch break. The boys helped us clean up and by that time we had to prepare for the afternoon session of classes. Liz made a special time for the club to meet this week so that we could take over and do some of the teaching! We were split into four sections: Danielle P. and Danielle C. teaching English, Rana and Jessica playing games and singing songs, Joslyn making bracelets, and I taught "How To Make Playdough". I can't speak for the rest of the girls, but my section was crazy! We had a great day with the kids though and it was awesome to see the boys again.
In this video you can see the beautiful murals, as well as Jose Manuel's dance moves!
Time is flying by - I cannot believe it has been a week since I last wrote. We were blessed enough to spend another day with Liz and the boys, which we all enjoyed. In the morning, we drove to Puerto Plata, met up with Liz, and drove to the boys' and girls' club building. We were greeted by the boys we met last friday with hugs and kisses, and then we headed up to check out Liz's new building. A beautiful spot for a club, but pretty bland to say the least. Liz asked if we would like to paint a mural, and of course, we took on the challenge! After a quick stretching/exercise session with the kids, we grabbed some paint brushes and paint and went at it. We had it completely finished by one o'clock, and rewarded ourselves with a lunch break. The boys helped us clean up and by that time we had to prepare for the afternoon session of classes. Liz made a special time for the club to meet this week so that we could take over and do some of the teaching! We were split into four sections: Danielle P. and Danielle C. teaching English, Rana and Jessica playing games and singing songs, Joslyn making bracelets, and I taught "How To Make Playdough". I can't speak for the rest of the girls, but my section was crazy! We had a great day with the kids though and it was awesome to see the boys again.
In this video you can see the beautiful murals, as well as Jose Manuel's dance moves!
Saturday, August 15, 2009
DONATE
Right now, Dove is expanding in huge ways as we move into our new building and double the amount of children we are providing programs for. The families are all sponsored, and this sponsorship fee pays for vouchers for the families for groceries every month. We also need donors fund our programs. Right now, school is starting and we hope to provide uniforms for all the kids. It is $40.00 US to buy 2 shirts, bottoms, undershirts and underpants, socks, shoes and gym clothes notebooks and pencils. While school is free, kids are unable to attend school if they can't pay for their uniform. We also have many other programs that we need donations to keep running. Every class, each child is given a snack of bread and peanut butter. We also pay for materials for art classes, and now, with the grand opening of the new building, we have rent to pay. Medical needs for the children come up often. Just last month, one of the boys, Andy, stepped on a nail and was unable to walk. He went to the clinic with his mother, but she was unable to pay for the medicine. Dove covered this for them and within 2 days the swelling was down and he was able to walk again. Very often, Dove will go onto the streets and provide meals for all the street boys who work every day, some as young as 6 years old, shining shoes to provide for their families. These are just a few of the many ways that Dove uses its funding, and we would love your support to not only keep these programs going, but also to create new ones!
To make a donation by check:
Make your check out to "DOVE Missions"
Send your check to: Dove Missions, c/o Caroline Santora, 5834 East Beck Lane, Scottsdale, AZ 85254
You can also donate by paypal. Go to the Support Page on Dove's website and click on the paypal button.
You also have the option of sending supplies to the DR, and instructions to do this are below. You are welcome and encouraged to send letters to your sponsor children. They love seeing photos of Canada and the USA, and photos of the people who are sponsoring them.
Pack your items in a sturdy box.
Weigh your box.
For every pound your package weighs, we ask that you make a donation of $1.50 to Dove Missions to cover the Agape service fee. So, for a 10 pound package, we ask for a $15 donation (this is what Agape charges Liz when she picks up your package at their office in Santiago). You can use PayPal or send a check to:
Dove Missions, 5834 East Beck Lane, Scottsdale, AZ 85254.
Send your package to: Liz McKie, c/o Agape Flights STI #20504, 100 Airport Avenue , Venice , FL , 34285 - or if you live in Florida you can drop your package off at Agape if you like.
To make a donation by check:
Make your check out to "DOVE Missions"
Send your check to: Dove Missions, c/o Caroline Santora, 5834 East Beck Lane, Scottsdale, AZ 85254
You can also donate by paypal. Go to the Support Page on Dove's website and click on the paypal button.
You also have the option of sending supplies to the DR, and instructions to do this are below. You are welcome and encouraged to send letters to your sponsor children. They love seeing photos of Canada and the USA, and photos of the people who are sponsoring them.
Pack your items in a sturdy box.
Weigh your box.
For every pound your package weighs, we ask that you make a donation of $1.50 to Dove Missions to cover the Agape service fee. So, for a 10 pound package, we ask for a $15 donation (this is what Agape charges Liz when she picks up your package at their office in Santiago). You can use PayPal or send a check to:
Dove Missions, 5834 East Beck Lane, Scottsdale, AZ 85254.
Send your package to: Liz McKie, c/o Agape Flights STI #20504, 100 Airport Avenue , Venice , FL , 34285 - or if you live in Florida you can drop your package off at Agape if you like.
Grand Opening!
On August 15th, Dove held the grand opening for the Club! A team of 6 from Canada is in the DR and Haiti for a few weeks, and came to help Liz for the day and run a fun grand opening for about 70 kids who are benefiting from Dove's services. They ran classes and made Playdough with the kids. The mothers all came as well and created a sign up sheet for who will come on what days to help clean and work in the Club. We are having them do this so they can learn that the Club is not about giving hand outs. We want them to work for the services they are being provided with, and because of this, they will make it their own and be proud of what they have because they have worked for it.
*August 15, 2009
*August 15, 2009
Thursday, August 13, 2009
DOVE- Bringing People Together
The following was written by Nikki Cochrane, after spending 2 months in the Dominican Republic working with DOVE Missions. She writes about the impact the experience has on volunteers.
I have now been home from the DR well over a month, after spending 2 months in Puerto Plata, working mostly with Dove Missions. I still think of my time there daily, and look forward to returning for 2 weeks this Christmas, and again in May where I will be staying long term. This summer was my forth humanitarian trip (third to the DR, and one to Ethiopia) and one of the most important things I have learned is how this work can bring people together.
I think it is clear that DOVE is doing amazing work. I have had mothers kiss my cheek, with tears streaming down their own, so grateful and relieved for the help they are receiving. I have watched as bonds are formed, as kids are fed, as medicine is handed out, and as education is provided. I have spent time with the kids, laughing so hard that my eyes welled up with tears; in part from my own happiness and in part from seeing the joy in the kids' eyes. As I got off the plane this May and was greeted by Liz at the airport, I knew that the next 2 months would be amazing. I knew that I would take a part in lives being transformed, and I knew that one of those lives would be my own.
Three years ago, when I was just finishing high school, I went on a short 10 day humanitarian trip to the DR. It was my first glimpse of poverty, and I fell in love with the country. Among the people on my team was a family- parents, and their 5 and 7 year old kids. I watched them interact; watched as the kids jumped rope with the kids in a Haitian batey, watched as the family interacted with families just like their own, but born into different conditions. This family was special... they knew things and had experienced things that most families in our country do not. I knew that one day I wanted my family to experience this with me as well. In May, I was sitting on the couch with Liz and we were talking about the impact that seeing poverty has on people. She was talking about sharing the experience with her son, and watching other families experience it together. That night I emailed my parents and asked them, yet again, to come visit me. My Dad had lost his job earlier this year, and I knew it wasn't likely due to finances, but my Mom surprised me and agreed to come, along with my 2 sisters (Kristin and Meghan, 18 and 15 years old). For one week my Mom and sisters tagged along with me- to the Boys Club, to the Girls Club, to the houses of the kids I have gotten to know so well. They even dared to experience their first motoconcho ride as we drove out into the country to meet my friends, who have become like a second family to me, over the past several years. Every day, my family was able to see more of the work that Dove does. They learned how it felt to have five kids hanging off your hands, and another two clinging to each leg. They experienced sitting on a chair in the stifling heat of a small Dominican home, and they walked alongside me, over the garbage covered beach with kids playing in the filthy water, as we visited the people who will forever hold a special place in my heart.
Dove Missions is not only transforming lives of Dominican people- it is transforming the lives of volunteers. As Liz told me, it is one thing to experience poverty on your own, but to experience it with your own family is another. I will never forget talking to the kids the day before my family was to arrive, as they asked me every possible question they could think of (What are their names? How old are they? When are their birthdays?) I still remember the exact moment I first brought my family to the Club, and watching the kids run over to greet them, these people that they have never met before in their lives, with huge hugs and smiles. For just one week, my family was able to experience the thing in my life that I am most passionate about. In the past, I have only been able to explain it to them through words and pictures, but now they know- they have watched a little boy, hungry and lethargic, lean his head on my shoulder with hardly enough energy even to smile. They have fallen in love with the kids, just as I have (it is impossible not to!) and for that I am forever grateful. DOVE Missions is unique because while its main purpose is to help the people of the Dominican Republic, it also has a mission to connect volunteers with Dominicans and create friendships and experiences that will be remembered for lifetimes.
I have now been home from the DR well over a month, after spending 2 months in Puerto Plata, working mostly with Dove Missions. I still think of my time there daily, and look forward to returning for 2 weeks this Christmas, and again in May where I will be staying long term. This summer was my forth humanitarian trip (third to the DR, and one to Ethiopia) and one of the most important things I have learned is how this work can bring people together.
I think it is clear that DOVE is doing amazing work. I have had mothers kiss my cheek, with tears streaming down their own, so grateful and relieved for the help they are receiving. I have watched as bonds are formed, as kids are fed, as medicine is handed out, and as education is provided. I have spent time with the kids, laughing so hard that my eyes welled up with tears; in part from my own happiness and in part from seeing the joy in the kids' eyes. As I got off the plane this May and was greeted by Liz at the airport, I knew that the next 2 months would be amazing. I knew that I would take a part in lives being transformed, and I knew that one of those lives would be my own.
Three years ago, when I was just finishing high school, I went on a short 10 day humanitarian trip to the DR. It was my first glimpse of poverty, and I fell in love with the country. Among the people on my team was a family- parents, and their 5 and 7 year old kids. I watched them interact; watched as the kids jumped rope with the kids in a Haitian batey, watched as the family interacted with families just like their own, but born into different conditions. This family was special... they knew things and had experienced things that most families in our country do not. I knew that one day I wanted my family to experience this with me as well. In May, I was sitting on the couch with Liz and we were talking about the impact that seeing poverty has on people. She was talking about sharing the experience with her son, and watching other families experience it together. That night I emailed my parents and asked them, yet again, to come visit me. My Dad had lost his job earlier this year, and I knew it wasn't likely due to finances, but my Mom surprised me and agreed to come, along with my 2 sisters (Kristin and Meghan, 18 and 15 years old). For one week my Mom and sisters tagged along with me- to the Boys Club, to the Girls Club, to the houses of the kids I have gotten to know so well. They even dared to experience their first motoconcho ride as we drove out into the country to meet my friends, who have become like a second family to me, over the past several years. Every day, my family was able to see more of the work that Dove does. They learned how it felt to have five kids hanging off your hands, and another two clinging to each leg. They experienced sitting on a chair in the stifling heat of a small Dominican home, and they walked alongside me, over the garbage covered beach with kids playing in the filthy water, as we visited the people who will forever hold a special place in my heart.
Dove Missions is not only transforming lives of Dominican people- it is transforming the lives of volunteers. As Liz told me, it is one thing to experience poverty on your own, but to experience it with your own family is another. I will never forget talking to the kids the day before my family was to arrive, as they asked me every possible question they could think of (What are their names? How old are they? When are their birthdays?) I still remember the exact moment I first brought my family to the Club, and watching the kids run over to greet them, these people that they have never met before in their lives, with huge hugs and smiles. For just one week, my family was able to experience the thing in my life that I am most passionate about. In the past, I have only been able to explain it to them through words and pictures, but now they know- they have watched a little boy, hungry and lethargic, lean his head on my shoulder with hardly enough energy even to smile. They have fallen in love with the kids, just as I have (it is impossible not to!) and for that I am forever grateful. DOVE Missions is unique because while its main purpose is to help the people of the Dominican Republic, it also has a mission to connect volunteers with Dominicans and create friendships and experiences that will be remembered for lifetimes.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Dove Is IN!
For months now Dove has been raising funds and working hard to prepare a new building for the Clubs to be held in. We needed something big enough to hold all of our new students, as well as all of our supplies and teaching materials. We wanted it secure and in a good area, but also close enough to the kids' houses that they would be able to easily and quickly walk to class. In May we found the perfect location- a huge building that used to be a bakery. It is in the Barrio Neuvo neighbourhood and is on the second floor, on top of a corner store. It took many weeks of renovations, but it is ready and this past Tuesday (August 11th) the first class was held in the new building, and the kids loved it! The first video is a tour of the building. The second is of the first class in the new building. It was the Boys Club and the boys in the video are talking about what they like about the Club and the new location.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Get To Know Them
These videos were taken during Saturday's class (August 8th). It was the last class being held in the old building (Hilda's school) before moving to the brand new building in Barrio Nuevo. The Boys Club is first and the Girls Club is second, so watch them and get to know some of the kids!
Thursday, August 6, 2009
A Boy Named Domingo
The following was written by Sarah in August of 2009. She is one of a team of 6 doing work in the DR and Haiti for three weeks. She and her team spent a day working with Liz and learning more about the work that Dove Missions does.
Everyday keeps getting better, and is accompanied with undescribable feelings. Today was no exception. Today we met and worked with Liz, who is simply an incredible person.( Her organization - http://www.dovemissions.com/). She runs a club for street boys in Puerto Plata, in an attempt to teach them basic life skills so they can make an alternate living for themselves. The club is being expanded to accept girls as well, which means moving to a new building. We were supposed to be helping her move into the new place, but because of renovations we had a change of plans. Liz, along with five of the street boys, took us to a couple different areas of Puerto Plata, showing us some of their houses, and ways of life. Throughout the day, we got to know the boys a little better and they are absolute cuties! Many of them were from the pedophile ring that was broken up last year, and I would bet my life they have seen things that our parents pray we never will. I try not to play favorites, but Domingo was definitely a little gentleman! Throughout our "tour" we were introduced to Agua Negra, or the "black water", a river that we in Canada would not consider a river at all. It is nothing but black water, stained by garbage, sewage, and other pollution. The stench of it was magnified tenfold by the Caribbean sun. Can you imagine even dipping your foot in? And yet some Dominicans use it as their bathing, washing, and sometimes even drinking water.
Next we went to Playa Oesta, a beach that is nothing but garbage and murky water, but the kids that live there can brighten any day! Everyone is so welcoming here, they invite you into their homes and make sure you get a chair to sit on. Even the children give up their seats. It's truly eye-opening.
After our tour, we had lunch at a restaurant with Liz and the boys, then decided to go have some fun! So we headed to a park/beach area for a quick walk, and followed it up with a visit to an ice-cream store - my favorite food! On the way to the ice-cream store, Liz brought Danielle Chatman and I (who had leftovers from lunch) to the town centre. She called a few of the street boys by name and they immediately ran to her with wide arms. After talking to them for a minute, Danielle and I gave them our leftovers to eat, and I've never seen such big smiles. (I wonder how that would go over in Canada.) I can tell you first hand that the feeling of directly feeding a child in need instead of a garbage can is indescribable.
After a cold ice-cream, we ran to Liz's house for a few minutes to grab some baby formula, then headed out to make a few house visits to drop it off to the mommas. All I can say is Dominican babies are unbelievably adorable! The visits were quick, and by then it was time for us to get back to the apartment. We said our goodbyes to our new friends and drove home for a short dip in the pool.
Everyday keeps getting better, and is accompanied with undescribable feelings. Today was no exception. Today we met and worked with Liz, who is simply an incredible person.( Her organization - http://www.dovemissions.com/). She runs a club for street boys in Puerto Plata, in an attempt to teach them basic life skills so they can make an alternate living for themselves. The club is being expanded to accept girls as well, which means moving to a new building. We were supposed to be helping her move into the new place, but because of renovations we had a change of plans. Liz, along with five of the street boys, took us to a couple different areas of Puerto Plata, showing us some of their houses, and ways of life. Throughout the day, we got to know the boys a little better and they are absolute cuties! Many of them were from the pedophile ring that was broken up last year, and I would bet my life they have seen things that our parents pray we never will. I try not to play favorites, but Domingo was definitely a little gentleman! Throughout our "tour" we were introduced to Agua Negra, or the "black water", a river that we in Canada would not consider a river at all. It is nothing but black water, stained by garbage, sewage, and other pollution. The stench of it was magnified tenfold by the Caribbean sun. Can you imagine even dipping your foot in? And yet some Dominicans use it as their bathing, washing, and sometimes even drinking water.
Next we went to Playa Oesta, a beach that is nothing but garbage and murky water, but the kids that live there can brighten any day! Everyone is so welcoming here, they invite you into their homes and make sure you get a chair to sit on. Even the children give up their seats. It's truly eye-opening.
After our tour, we had lunch at a restaurant with Liz and the boys, then decided to go have some fun! So we headed to a park/beach area for a quick walk, and followed it up with a visit to an ice-cream store - my favorite food! On the way to the ice-cream store, Liz brought Danielle Chatman and I (who had leftovers from lunch) to the town centre. She called a few of the street boys by name and they immediately ran to her with wide arms. After talking to them for a minute, Danielle and I gave them our leftovers to eat, and I've never seen such big smiles. (I wonder how that would go over in Canada.) I can tell you first hand that the feeling of directly feeding a child in need instead of a garbage can is indescribable.
After a cold ice-cream, we ran to Liz's house for a few minutes to grab some baby formula, then headed out to make a few house visits to drop it off to the mommas. All I can say is Dominican babies are unbelievably adorable! The visits were quick, and by then it was time for us to get back to the apartment. We said our goodbyes to our new friends and drove home for a short dip in the pool.
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