Every year, the Hogar del Niño school and day care centre in La Romana town, located near Casa de Campo is blessed by the arrival of American volunteers who spend nearly a year contributing, not only their time and hard work, but also endless amounts of love, whilst they carry out life-changing projects and initiatives. One recent volunteer was Daniel Hogan and here we bring you an inspiring interview with Dan about his wonderful experience at the Hogar del Niño.
Daniel Hogan, a talented young American, in July 2011 decided to leave behind his home in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts in the United States, with the aim of offering love, service and time to children in the Hogar del Niño school and daycare center in La Romana, where he worked in the Zona Verde, center for extracurricular activities, performing numerous short-term and long-term projects in various subjects such as music, art, crafts and theater.
Dan, Inexis, Ryan and Felicia at the Hogar del Niño
Unfortunately, time passed in the blink of an eye and soon Daniel had served a year as a volunteer, making it time to return home. So before we knew it during the past Cafe de la Leche celebrated in the Casa de Campo Yacht Club in the Marina, members of the Hogar del Niño said goodbye to Daniel, before he took a late night flight back to Shrewsbury – HOWEVER we did have an opportunity to interview Daniel and here we share his many memories of the Hogar del Niño and a year he will never forget:
@cdcliving: What is the most memorable part about this experience? Daniel: My most memorable part of the experience was certainly being able to see the development of the students’ skills throughout the year. It was amazing to see how after a year of working with them, they began to take pride in their work instead of simply trying to finish it. They began to realize that it wasn’t about who could finish first, but more about the quality of the work, and that is exactly what I think is most important when talking about any extracurricular activities.
@cdcliving: What and who will you miss the most? Daniel: Beyond the relationships that I made at the Hogar del Niño, I think I will greatly miss the freedom I was given in my work environment. It is very rare to find a job where on each day you are given the freedom to use you creativity in any way you want. I had no fear of failing on a certain project, and when this happens is when you can come up with some really great ideas.
@cdcliving:How did you get to know about the Hogar del Niño? Daniel: I learned about the Hogar del Niño through Stonehill College where I went to school. Stonehill has a connection with the PBO [Patronato Benefico Oriental, umbrella organisation for the Hogar] and I started the Stonehill International Extension Program three years ago. Two good friends of mine decided to do the program last year and I was instantly intrigued by the program. One year later I was the one who was applying.
@cdcliving: What were your expectations when you first arrived?
Daniel: I honestly had no expectations for the Hogar del Niño when I arrived in July [2011]. Before the Hogar I was a student at Stonehill College, where I majored in Mathematics, but worked as a musician playing and singing in bars and restaurants. My hometown is Shrewsbury, Massachusetts where I have lived my entire life.
Daniel Hogan at the Zona Verde in the Hogar del Niño
@cdcliving: We’ve noticed you love music! How has this helped you in the Hogar del Niño and in life?
Daniel: Music is a huge part of my life and it was a big help at the Hogar del Niño. Using my skills I was able to work with the students on their music skills, while at the same time developing a chorus of students who I could sing with. During my first weeks at the Hogar del Niño, I got a donation from the music teacher at the Abraham Lincoln School, who gave us all her drums she wasn’t using anymore – this completely changed the curriculum at the Hogar del Niño.
@cdcliving: Any other hobbies? Daniel: Currently I am learning to draw and cook, which I am really enjoying. I like to hike, and after my year at the Hogar del Niño doing a bunch of projects, I also like crafts. I am a huge sports fan and also love to travel.
@cdcliving: Now that you have lived this experience, what is the difference between the person you are today and the person you were before?
Daniel: Throughout my year in the Dominican Republic I changed immensely. I believe that in general I am a much more accepting person. In life there are going to be times and situations where things just are not going to work for whatever reason It is important not to become frustrated by this and to stay positive and happy. I think this skill greatly developed throughout the year. I also feel much more comfortable trying different ideas without fear of failing. I realized that each failure is simply a stepping stone to hopefully a success.
@cdcliving: What’s next? Any plans of returning in the future? Daniel: In the fall I will be attending the University of Massachusetts in Boston where I will be studing Critical and Creative Thinking. I am hoping to also work part time in a school with a strong Dominican influence. I am hoping to return to the Dominican Republic for New Years 2013!
Congratulations Daniel and many thanks for the brilliant job you that and the rest of the volunteers have done at the Hogar del Niño – we sure do hope to see you around soon!!
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.
Spanish
