Project Esperanza primarily serves the Haitian immigrant population of Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic in the areas of education, social aid, and community development. The organization runs two schools pre-K through 6th grade for Haitian immigrant children who face barriers to receiving education, as well as a group home for boys working and often living in the streets.
Volunteers are needed to help and support the various projects and are welcomed in the following skill areas: teaching, construction, family volunteering, and a little bit of childcare and medical, as well as economic development and community development projects, mainly for longer term volunteers.
Other positions include:
- Candy Striper/Healthcare worker
- Fair Trade Art Shop Worker
- Literacy Volunteer
- English Teacher
- Movie Theater/Activity Night Coordinator
- Skilled Art Teacher
- Community Health Volunteer
- Physical Education Teacher/Sports Volunteer
- Eco-Construction Volunteer
- Computer Education Volunteer
- Recycling/Sustainability Volunteer
Duration
The biggest programs run for six weeks in the summer, from June through Aug. Experienced or long-term volunteers are also welcomed year round
Fees
Longer-term volunteers willing to arrange food and accommodation, as well as maintain some autonomy may contact for reduced rates. For full board, including meals and lodging, long-term volunteer fees were about $900 per month for volunteers with Spanish speaking abilitities.