Fundación MIR and FIU give the La Romana children a fun summer!

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Last week a group of five Florida International University (FIU) students volunteered at the Fundación MIR Elementary School in La Romana. The students are part of a group called “Alternative Break” (AB) – which means they plan community outreach programs during spring, summer and winter breaks in the US and around the globe. This specific group hosted a Summer Camp for the Fundación MIR students filled with oodles of exciting activities! This is the Fundación MIR’s 4th group of Alternative Breakers to work with and mentor the MIR children – blessed to be able to work with them is an understatement!

FIU’s AB is a remarkable program where fantastic young adults are able to give back to their communities and others in need around the world. Many children in the Dominican Republic spend their days home alone while their parents are working [when not in school during summer months]. The Summer Camp that this group created ensured that the children were safe, learning and having fun! The group hosted fundraisers (a 5k race, bake sales, karaoke nights, etc…) to raise money for their trip. The funds raised helped pay their airline tickets and purchase supplies and food for the campers. The children spent their days decorating birdhouses, coloring, reading, playing sports, planting flowers, singing and dancing! Needless to say, they had a wonderful time, and the word spread around the community like wild fire! Each day I visited the camp I would see more and more children! As summer break sadly came to an end, I asked the volunteers to share a brief quote about their experience – here are a few comments they shared:

“Serving and helping the Fundación MIR kids was one of the best eye opening, loving and self fulfilling experiences ever. Those kids stole my heart and I definitely want to go back.”

— Joann Jackson, Dietetics and Nutrition, graduating 2013

“It was very humbling to be able to work with Fundación MIR. Although I went with the mission to give back to a community in need, I came back with my heart full and with a greater appreciation for life. The kids are loving, thankful and happy. It was a very rewarding experience that I hope to repeat”

— Maria Camila Bernal, Journalism and International Relations, graduating 2013.

“When we arrived at the Fundación MIR school in La Romana, I was amazed with how spectacular the facilities actually are. From a swimming pool, a basketball court, to fully equipped classrooms with books and school supplies, these fortunate children are truly blessed. I feel honored to have had the opportunity of seeing these children smile and making a little difference in their lives.”

— Jonathan Ruiz, BS in Mass Communication & Advertising, graduating 2014.

MIR’s collaboration with FIU is one of the many successful programs offered at the MIR schools. If you would like to learn more please call us or if you are ever in La Romana please stop by and visit! The following photos were taken during the Fundación MIR summer camp 2013: 

The Fundación MIR The Fundación MIR is a non-profit organization which works to provide education to the children of the greater La Romana area, who are most in need. They run 3 schools; the MIR Esperanza (boys vocational school), the Escuela Tecnica Vocacional Fundación MIR (girls vocational school) and the Primaria MIR (infants school). For more information on the Fundación MIR and to make a donation, visit their website: www.FundacionMIR.org To make a donation contact the MIR office in Casa de Campo (809-523-8270) or in West Palm Beach (561-366-5095). Donations are tax deductible for US Citizens! To find out more and see photos and articles of events organized by the Fundación MIR – click here!