The Hogar del Niño school and day care centre in La Romana town, near to Casa de Campo is a charity supported by many Casa de Campo villa owners and visitors, here we bring you a letter of help and hope from a volunteer who worked at the Hogar del Niño for nearly a year and is now passionately campaigning and fundraising to help change the life of one very special student…..
Dear Rebecca,
Beginning in July of 2010, I spent 11 months volunteering at the “Hogar del Niño” school and daycare center in the city of La Romana in the Dominican Republic. As you can imagine, my experiences were truly life-changing. I had hopes of making a positive impact on the lives of the students there, but I had no idea how much I would receive in return. These kids inspired me to do something more for them…something that would continue to help them even after my return to the U.S.
During my time there, I witnessed the tragic reality that a very small percentage of women in the Dominican Republic can move on to higher education. Unfortunately, their opportunities are very limited, because they have no way to earn enough money for college. In response, I decided to start a scholarship fund to give an exceptional young lady a chance to follow her dream of becoming a pediatrician. My hope is that this will not only dramatically impact her own life, but also the lives of her future family, as it will help break the cycle of poverty for generations to come.
Emelina is a compassionate, honest and hard-working high school junior at the Hogar del Niño. She is a true leader whose contagious smile always lights up the room. In spite of a life filled with hardships (i.e. being raised in poverty by a single mother, sharing one bedroom with her entire family, etc.), she has an amazingly positive attitude and is always willing to lend a helping hand. She has shown her passion and potential for a future in the medical field while serving as a student leader in our hands-on learning program and volunteering her time in the school’s doctor’s office. The school social worker also confirmed my observation that Emelina has become a positive role model for the students and is someone they seek out when they need a listening ear or good advice.
Emelina and Hilary at the Hogar del Niño in La Romana
I’ve learned that the price of all 4 years at University to become a doctor in the Dominican Republic (about $20,000) is less than a single semester’s tuition at Stonehill College (the school that I attended). Unfortunately, it is still beyond the reach of the vast majority of Dominican women. However, after meeting with various professionals in the Dominican Republic and doing lots of research, I’ve discovered a less-expensive option for students who want to study medicine. Two-year programs, which cost a total of just $5,000, train students for a career as a nurse. Once a student completes the program, they can get a job, and motivated students have a way to earn the money they need to continue their education and become a doctor.
A college education has always appeared to be beyond the realm of possibility for impoverished women like Emelina, but with your help, she can have a chance at the future she deserves. She has the potential, drive, and passion to follow her dream and become a pediatrician, so the only missing piece of the puzzle is the finances…And it will only take a mere $2,500/year to give Emelina the meaningful and life-altering career that she deserves.
Every single penny donated to this cause will make a difference, and it will all go straight to the scholarship fund that I have set up through the non-profit organization that runs Hogar del Niño, Patronato Benéfico Oriental. All contributions are tax-deductible, and checks can be made out to “Patronato Benéfico Oriental” and mailed to Hilary Marck, 25 Eagle Dr., East Falmouth, MA, 02536. Please also be sure to include “Emelina Pirón- Programa Líderes” on the memo line.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much for any support at all that you are able to give. Together, I know that we can make a difference in Emelina’s life and offer her the bright future that she deserves.
Sincerely,
Hilary Marck
P.S. If you’d like to learn more about Hogar del Nino or Patronato Benéfico Oriental, you can visit their website at www.hogardelnino.com. It is a truly fantastic organization that I will always hold close to my heart.
HELP EMELINA realize her dream!
To make a donation or to find out more, contact Hilary at:
hilarymarck@yahoo.com
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