Education Sponsorships

"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world."
- Nelson Mandela

In August of 2002, 25 community members volunteered to make a difference for the children of their five mountain villages in the Dominican Republic. They did so without knowing what would be asked of them, how much of a sacrifice it would be, or what an incredible impact they would make. It was clear that they would be doing this as a service to their community and would not be paid.

At the end of the 2002-2003 school year, 18 volunteer teachers had not only taught but had learned as well. The majority were illiterate and none of them had completed school past 4th grade. Most had learned limited reading and writing as adults through church-sponsored literacy programs.

Each of them struggled with the challenge of teaching as they were themselves being taught by Diocese of Orlando missioners. They also struggled to maintain their own families while giving of themselves, sometimes daily, so that the community's children could have a better education.

Five years later, the kindergarteners in those first classes are now moving up to 6th grade. The students are learning at an incredible pace and are eager to learn more. Today, there are a total of 18 teachers who give of themselves for these children; five days a week, 180+ days a year.

The goal of the Teacher Sponsorship Program is to assist these teachers so they do not have to choose between teaching the children and feeding their family, a choice many will soon have to make. A monthly stipend would alleviate many of the financial pressures these teachers face while in service of their respective communities. Sponsor a teacher today!
Be a volunteer and make a difference!

• Have you ever considered giving time to mission in our Sister Diocese?
• We organize short and medium-term education missions to the mountain villages of the Dominican Republic where we sponsor 5 educational learning centers.
• If you would like to be involved in any way, please Contact Us

Pre-School to 6th Grade

Tucked neatly in the central mountain range of the Dominican Republic are five little community schools sponsored by the Diocese of Orlando.

In these five unadorned and simple learning centers, the village children are learning at an incredible speed and a large number of them are performing well above their grade level. Their enthusiasm for learning is contagious, to the point that they are slowly becoming the teachers of their own parents and older siblings.

For these schools to continue and sustain themselves, as little as $20 per month can support a child in school for a year.

Teacher Sponsorship

During the first year of our education program, we witnessed community members sacrificing their time and sometimes their livelihoods to educate their communities' children.They volunteered their time with no financial compensation to keep the education centers open everyday.

Today, they have seen the difference in their children and do not regret giving of themselves so completely. The teacher sponsorship program was created to allow them to do both by providing these teachers with a stipend for their valuable time, dedication, and service to their community.

Adult Literacy

Five years ago, over forty adults arrived at our first session of a high intensity literacy program. The adults in our program are improving their education at many levels. The inaugural class had 12 members who passed the high school equivalency test. Others are now enrolling in elementary equivalency and high-intensity basic math courses.

Parents who are able to read for the first time are excited to be able to make a difference in their children's education.

For additional information about the Columban Mission Education Program, visit the following website:

http://www.columban.org/missioned/message.html

• "Journey With Jesus" introduces a new theme at each grade level, provides students with an understanding of how that reality impacts people globally and gives specific examples of how missionaries are working with people to create a world that reflects God's kingdom on earth.

Meet Some of the Teachers

Margarita - El Montazo

"Three years ago, when I asked to become a teacher in my community, I felt capable to teach even though I was very nervous to start. Today it is completely different situation as I feel confident and I am very proud of what I do in the community. I don't want to see our children grow up in the same level of poverty like we had as children."

Balerio - El Montazo

"I would like to continue my studies and become a government licensed teacher, where I can continue to strive for unity and progress in my community. “I would like to thank everyone involved for your passion that has been demonstrated for helping the communities of San Juan de la Maguana."

Rossany - La Cucarita

“Before the arrival of the Mission Office Education Program, many people in our community didn't even know the alphabet. But thanks to the good grace of God, little by little we are improving. The education system had been lacking in the past but now we have many people who have learned so much.

Francisco - La Cucarita

In addition to his work as a teacher in the elementary school, Fran is heavily involved in the construction project sponsored by the Mission Office. He has helped to build the school, church, and hospitality center in La Cucarita and he is always available to assist American missioners who participate in the Dreambuilders housing program. He has seven girls whom he has affectionately nicknamed “Las siete princesas (the seven princesses).

Gumericinda - Los Guayuyos

"My greatest moment in this process was when I was first given the opportunity to do great things for my Community by becoming a teacher. I am now doing something important for the future of our children and for the future of our community. Thanks be to God for this chance to be a good example to others in my village and so I am very proud to do what I can."

Julissa - La Cucarita

"I would like to continue my progress as a teacher in order that I might have an opportunity for a better future and to give my children a proper Christian education. I would also like to see my children go to the university and to set a good example in our community, or wherever they go."

 

Give a gift to save a life…

Our catalog is filled with alternative ideas to celebrate the gift of life.
Give a gift that lasts a lifetime and helps with the economic, educational, and community development of our friends in the Dominican Republic.  

Did you know that for $25.00 a month you can help a family drink clean water for a year?  Instead of giving chocolates, why not spread the gift of sweetness by supporting our Honey Bees’ Project with the purchase of a bee hive?

All you have to do is download the Catalog and fill out the last page. Mail or fax to 407-246-4892 and we will send out an acknowledgment card will be sent.