Volunteering in the Dominican Republic

Whether you just completed your university, study or vocational training, or just want a change to your everyday life, in Samaná every helping hand is welcomed. The community project on the Samaná Peninsula gives children of low-income status and children with special needs a chance to learn. Your work in the project can be customized depending on your abilities and interests. Some of the possible activities offered are the designing of their sports programs, art lessons, theatrical workshops, and also teaching English, or tutoring in all other academic areas. These are all an important part of the children’s daily program.

In addition to teaching in English and other subjects, the Community Environmental Protection Initiative is an important part of this project. This initiative aims to strengthen the environmental awareness of the local population. This is not just a matter of creating an awareness of waste separation, but also of showing children how to grow organic food and thus to live more sustainably. Here, too, you are let loose to run wild with your creativity. Anyone can get involved in the recycling project, recently founded by volunteers, or even create other new programs.

The Dominican health system is still far from the standard of a Western health care system. Despite their setbacks, the doctors in the small dental clinic in Samaná try to treat their patients as best as possible, using the resources available to them. As a volunteer in the dentist's clinic, you can actively support and assist the doctors with treatments, depending on your knowledge and experience. A very important part of your work will be the health education regarding hygienic dental care and prevention.