In someone else’s shoes

Hi everybody back home! It’s your leaders of the day, Salome, Hadja, and Laihra. This morning we woke up at 6:30am and met up as a group to wake everybody up at the Pirgiorgio Palace Hotel in Puerto Plata.

We then got on the bus and headed to a school that teaches sign language to underprivileged kids from kindergarten to 6th grade. We learned Spanish sign language! The director, Beatriz Leonardo was part of the Salasian ladies who have been serving the community for over 59 years in countries like Venezuela, Haiti, Puerto Rico. 

They started serving in the Dominican Republic 39 years ago. Their origin began in Venezuela when a priest organized a group of women to build a church which is now their home base even though they spread in different parts of the world. Beatriz educated us on the fact that when the sign language school was first initiated after a census was taken and they unfortunately discovered that at least 18 kids were deaf/mute and weren’t able to converse properly or at all with others. Additionally, they were subjected to abuse and mistreated by those around them, even their own family members. Therefore, to take action, they were inspired to create a school for them. At first, the minister of education didn’t want to fund the school so the school became a non profit organization. 

I, (Hadja), found it heart breaking that their government didn’t believe that helping a few kids feel connected to their community and the world around them was worth it. Salome found it inspiring that so many women were able to get together to create such a huge difference worldwide. Laihra was inspired by the founders of Asociacion Damas Salesianas taking initiative and  in turn opening doors for an underserved community so that they can have bright futures as well. We were able to learn the alphabet in sign language putting us in the shoes of the community that is often least represented. We also encountered the construction of a new office that they were able to pay for using the money donated by Global Glimpse. 

Next, we went back to the villa where we discussed the importance of the CAP. 

Us leaders organized the groups for the following Community Action Project (CAP) days. We identified which tasks were necessary for success in helping rebuild the concrete floors in less fortunate neighborhoods. We discussed what sustainability is and the components it needs to function. Our framework is an equation: Feasibility + Need + Personal Passion + Community Engage = Sustainability. Community Engagement is the biggest component into creating long term change in the community. With the community putting their blood sweat and tears into improving their homes permanently. For years to come, hopefully our hard work will provide them an environment where they can thrive.

• Salome, Hadja and Laihra

Shout Outs 

DR is Hot, I’m having fun though! Calling home in 2 days – Vanny 

Hola Mariana. Muéstrele las fotos del blog a mi mama. ¿Cómo está mi papá? Vi tu mensaje del terremoto cuando aterrizre.<3 Salome 

Hi mom, this is my boss’ email [email protected] . If that does not work, call my school and ask for Ms. Carr and let her know what happened. Mention the week that I did not sign my timesheet and the fact that I did not get paid for my last week. – Laihra

Hi Kelsey, UPDATE: It’s humid and we have been making videos everyday. I called yesterday but you were not there. I miss you guys. The hotel was so nice. Can’t wait to come back. Hi Yuea, how is Ecuador ? Thank you for helping, I can’t wait to go to KBQ. See you in tennis practice. -Lisbeth

Hii Milan and Mommy. Mommy I got my card unlocked. I’ll buy some stuff for you guys soon, Milan keep up with my streak sis. Text T ( Letter T) for me on tiktok ( you know who) and send a nice message on my behalf please. Username ends in paypal. – Akemi

Hello Luis, I hope you are having fun without me. I sure am having fun! Ok, bye boi.. – Amy

Miss you Pops, Cli and Ma 🙁 – Dani

Hola pa, I miss you much by the way today I helped teach ASL. Bye Pa, love you. – Elizabeth

Hello Parents, glad one of you answered my phone call yesterday. Mom, if you get a call, answer because it’s me. I should be calling Wednesday so we can talk about my return. – Love Ky