Organization: The DREAM Project

Focus Areas:	Children, Education
Countries Served:	Dominican Republic United States

Description of Services:
Building classrooms, computer labs, libraries, science labs, and sport recreation areas; Providing Dominican and international volunteers to teach in classrooms, libraries, and laboratories; Organizing and operating summer camps, youth groups, preschools, and teacher training facilities; 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, non-governmental organizations, universities, and high schools throughout the world.
History:
The DREAM Project formally began its work in 2002. Teaming up with local and foreign supporters, classrooms, libraries, computer labs and modern bathrooms were built in the local schools. Tourists began to bring down books and school supplies and contributed computers and funds to operate our then small programs. The word got out and increasing numbers of volunteers from many different colleges and universities began coming down for a year at a time. DREAM then moved on to build entire new schools and greatly expanded its programs. From these modest beginnings DREAM has grown into a major effort run by a paid local staff of Dominicans and foreigners together with many volunteers.
Accomplishments & Progress:
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.