Giving Back

The Travel Agent Next Door head office and agents along with Travelbrands and Am Resorts had the awesome experience of giving back to a school in La Romana, Dominican Republic. Many agents brought along with them backpacks filled with school supplies. On the Tuesday which was our free day many of us loaded on to buses for the drive to the school. The school is made up of 4 complexes and has 1800 students. Complex 1 is a preschool, Complex 2 is an elementary school and complex 3 and 4 are the high schools divided between boys and girls.
We were divided into two buses, one going to the boys school and one going to the girls school. We were further divided into four groups from there. One group painted the newly refinished basketball courts, a second group painted newly refinished benches and tables. The third group did crafts and the fourth group did board games.
The painting groups brought paint brushes with them. The craft groups brought craft supplies and the board game group brought board games. When we got to the school we were taken on a tour of the school

welcome to the school photo courtesy of Dan Galbraith

They are very dependent on teaching trades such as hotel, restaurant as they rely heavily on tourism revenue in the country. They also have health care as well.

 Sewing room

 health classroom

 computer lab

 Industrial Kitchen

Service classroom

Once the tour was done we broke up into groups. I met a bunch of girls my daughters ages and we played many rounds of Connect four and we got to know each other. Some girls had more English than others. Unfortunately my Spanish is not good at all.

photo courtesy of Dan Galbraith

After games we had a break and we more time to interact with the girls. They were very much like my daughters. They were teasing each other playing around and very excited to do selfies.

We then boarded a bus back to the boys school and the girls loaded into school buses. We then were treated to dancing and musical performances by some of the boys and girls. 

 photo courtesy of Dan Galbraith

 a group photo of agents and students photo courtesy of Dan Galbraith

A gift I received from one of the students

It was such a great time being able to give back. There is a waiting list to getting into the school. It costs $10 a month and some families have trouble paying that amount. The school website is www.fundacionmire.org

Where you can find me

Facebook: www.facebook.com/stephaniethetravelagentnextdoor

Website: www.exclusivetoyoutravel.ca

Email: slough@exclusivetoyoutravel.com

TICO 50021282

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Toronto, ON

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