The Hogar del Niño, without a doubt, does a great job providing education for over 1500 children in La Romana, operating daily from as early as 5:30am and until as late as 7pm.
This non profit organization brings American volunteers who spend a whole year helping and contributing with the education of these children, giving them their support and love throughout their stay.
Here we bring you an interview with one of these inspiring volunteers that has been working at the Hogar del Niño. She is Diane Tobio, a young, passionate and enthusiastic volunteer.
@cdcliving: When and how did you find out about the Hogar del Niño?
I first came to the Hogar del Niño in 2009 as an alternative spring break at my school outside of Boston, Stonehill college. During the week long trip a group of about 25 volunteered at the Hogar del Niño, painting and mostly spending time with the children. At that point in my life I had no idea what I was going to really do in my life and I just decided to volunteer because my parents always had us doing volunteer work growing up and because my brother had recently come back from Africa on a service trip and I felt inspired.
After that one week trip, my life was changed. I knew I had to come back one day and on my last day one of the students gave me his rosary beads and told me, “si dios quiere, nos vemos un día” (if it is the will of God, we will see each other again). That was that… I returned home and quickly wrote to the president of the college expressing my interest in doing a year long service after graduation the following year. Once I was accepted onto this postgraduate program, my volunteer service began. And, to be honest, that is where it all really began! It just got better and better from there.
@cdcliving: What made you come to the DR and help this organization in the first place?
A need to find myself and realize what I wanted to do without the pressures of the American culture. This organization just happened to be where I ended up; and personally, I don’t believe in coincidences, I do believe that God guided me here knowing how I would be forever changed. It is too unusual to say that a non-spanish speaking, sociology major from Simsbury, Connecticut would find herself and her life in a place like this… how can you not believe that this was meant to be?
@cdcliving: How long have you been here now?
I have been traveling here back and forth since 2009, volunteered for a year, but officially moved here 2 years ago.
@cdcliving: Do you think coming here was worth it?
Absolutely. Without a doubt the smartest, best decision I have ever made for myself. (And believe me, it wasn’t an easy one at the time!)
@cdcliving: How does your job influence your personal life?
Well, I don’t like to tell too much about my personal life, but the decision to move here was based on many personal decisions. First and foremost, I met my fiancé here at the Hogar de Niño. Although he works at different ends of the school, I do lean on him for support when there are tough moments. He has taught me how to work among others from a different culture and he is always there to aid in my brainstorming and planning. Second, my family; I think that this has proven to my friends and family that I can fulfill my dreams and be happy without the comfort of going along with what everyone else does. Being the baby of the family, my parents and siblings are extremely supportive and keep me going. Although I do miss them and wish we were closer, they understand that God has chosen this path for me.
@cdcliving: Future plans?
I have so many dreams that I want to fulfil and keep living, so my future plans look positive. In addition to my goal of one day meeting Ellen Degeneres, I basically just want to live a life surrounded by incredible people and love.
As for plans, right now I hope to continue making the program at the Hogar del Niño stronger and stronger. I really do not know how much longer I will be able to stay here but I do have plans to always, near or far, be in close contact with the school. I eventually want to get my masters in education and administration to one day be the director of a school.
As for the near future, working with the English team, or group of English and Language teachers, continue building and improving the programs and events at the school… and as for personal future?? Planning my wedding!!
The Hogar del Niño is a children’s daycare and educational center for over 1500 children, located in La Romana town, just outside of Casa de Campo. Children from as young as just a few weeks old up to 18 years old are cared for and educated daily, from as early as 5:30am and staying as late as 7pm.
The organization also provides special schooling to over 75 hearing impaired and blind children, as well as a vocational school where over 235 students receive classes in different areas like: sewing; industrial preparation, installation and electrical maintenance; plumbing and management of computer office programs.
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