Originally located on the beautiful beach of Juanillo, the village is one of many Dominican Republic villages that have been relocated for development. The developer of the area built a beautiful inland village for Juanillo. It included good houses, a new church, a school, plus small buildings that served as grocery stores, salons, and other stores – including a provider of Presidente beer, the lo
cally produced cerveza. Unfortunately, the villagers lacked the knowledge and resources to maintain the new community. The result: a rapid deterioration of the buildings and infrastructure – and a breakdown of what had been a thriving community of 300. Unable to continue their traditions of fishing and farming, more than two-thirds of the residents left Juanillo. When we located the village, it was a community of less than 100 – and it was in dire need of services. From housing and road repairs to plumbing and electricity, trash pickup to clean water, medical examinations to school supplies and more… Juanillo needed our help. With deep backgrounds in both business and education, we marshalled our resources, formed a non-profit organization, and forged ahead with our Revitalize Juanillo project. We addressed first the most basic needs: fixing toilets and urinals, providing toilet paper and running water, repairing classroom lighting
We were able to ensure that each school age child received uniforms, shoes, books and supplies – including toothbrushes and toothpaste. We hired two teachers to reduce class size and provide more effective instruction. With the help of ECO Services Dominicana of Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, we implemented a unique recycling program: students earn a small number of pesos for school supplies by collecting plastic bottles that are sold to the recycler. We successfully reached out to an organization that has provided educational curriculum materials for all grades in the grammar school. For the first time, students and some families have received free medical care from a local doctor. A volunteer teacher holds evening classes in the school for adults who want to learn conversational English for better jobs in the future. We’ve made a start – but there is so much more to be done. Our primary projects at this time include:
The creation of an educational setting for both children and adults that will teach basic self-sufficiency and work skills, both Spanish and English language skills, and computer knowledge and skills;
A development of a program that will provide the knowledge and tools to become self-sustaining – through composting, gardening and trade skills;
Recycling education and training, to improve the community and its environment;
Redevelopment of recreational space that will encourage fitness, well-being and team spirit. Our mission: to help people help themselves. Our goal: to revitalize Juanillo. Help us help them continue to make the Dominican Republic what it has always been: the Caribbean’s most beautiful island…with the finest fishing…the most glorious beaches…and the most welcoming people.
