R
Richard
Guest
Many people vacationing in the DR often wonder how they can help the country that treats us so well. Here are a few suggestions, which you might keep in mind. First, the baggage allowance for charter passengers (at least on Canadian flights is 20 kilos, so take along any T-shirts, blouses, sandals, running shoes etc.which you no longer use and offer them to your roommaid, gardener, bartender or waiter. Chances are very good if they don?t have any use for them they will know someone who does. When you are leaving why not leave your surplus clothing behind rather than cart it back home? When a shoeshine boy offers to clean your sandals or shoes, take him up on it; in Sosua the going rate is only 5 pesos, an amount neither herenor there to most tourists. There is no United Way in the DR, so if you see a handicapped person begging on the street why not put 10 pesos into his cup? Again, 10 pesos to a tourist is for the most part next to nothing. If you don?t believe in that, don?t do it. It?s up to you. Although education in the DR is both free and compulsory, books, supplies and uniforms which cost approximately 600-700 pesos per year are a requirement. A friend tells me the government is supposed to start providing the supplies and books but that has not as yet occurred in Sosua and 600-700 pesos is a hefty amount for poor families. Th end result is many children do not attend school. In Sosua a group of ex-pats have formed an association to provide those requirements for kids from poor families. With money raised strictly from donations, to date they have been able to provide schooling for 15 children, with hopes of increasing the number in September. Each child receives 2 shirts or blouses, skirts or pants, underwear, socks, shoes, belt and a backpack, even a class photo. Donations can be made at the Britannia Pub on the main street in Sosua. If you can spare 2 or 3 hundred pesos that would be wonderful however any donation is gratefully received.
Another venture you might consider is missionary work. In May it was my pleasure to meet Jack Maibaum an American working in Moca. The mission is non-denominational and welcomes everyone?s assistance, no matter his or her talents. You can email Jack for more info JMeibaum@aol.com
Or check out their web site. These are but a few suggestions, I?m sure others will also have their own.
Another venture you might consider is missionary work. In May it was my pleasure to meet Jack Maibaum an American working in Moca. The mission is non-denominational and welcomes everyone?s assistance, no matter his or her talents. You can email Jack for more info JMeibaum@aol.com
Or check out their web site. These are but a few suggestions, I?m sure others will also have their own.