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Fundacion Mahatma Gandhi

 Las Terrenas, Dominican Republic

May 13th-May 27th 2013

Fundacion Mahatma Gandhi works to better the quality of life of the people with whom they work, using suitable resources, in an authentic environment of continuous learning.

They focus on the following areas:

• Quality of life
  Indicators for "quality of life" are:  education, housing, health, family life, gainful employment, human rights, security, recreation, the environment, civic and political involvement and spirituality.  
• Of the people with whom we work 
  They won't be able to have an impact on everyone, nor attract or benefit each person in the community. However, each person that comes to know about them and who participates in their activities becomes an integral part of their mission.
• Using suitable resources
  There's neither a magic formula that can be employed in every situation, nor a recipe that fits against all evils.  For that reason they will look for the best available resources that fit specific needs, to the best of ability and within the range of our possibilities.
• In an authentic environment
  We carry out our mission without false pretenses or empty promises, trusting the good faith, honesty and integrity of our board members, partners, sponsors, participants and beneficiaries.
• Of continuous learning
  We seek to regenerate ourselves continuously, seeking out the best methods, processes and alternatives, adapting our functions to changing conditions and contexts.  

 What to Expect:

• Cost: All Winter and Spring Break ABE trips cost the same because we average the total cost of our program per Participant. Our May Term trips are longer than our Winter and Spring Break trips. For that reason, Participants have to pay the true cost of the May Term trip, not an average of our total trips. The Domincian Republic May Term trip will cost $850.  International trips also have the added cost of flights. In the past flights to the Dominican Republic have cost $735 (2011) and $608 (2012).
• Travel: The group will be flying to the Dominican Republic.  Once there, transportation costs are covered from ABE trip fees (rides from airport to site, etc). 
• Lodging: The group will either stay at Casa Paz, the volunteer house (La Villa Anderson), or an alternate guest house.
• Food: The basic food of the area is rice, beans, salad, and some sort of meat such as chicken, beef, or pork.  You can bring dry food, peanut butter, and other items to supplement.  There is a lot of tropical fruit such as pineapple, bananas, oranges, and passion fruit. 
• Work: Groups will have the opportunity to be involved in various programs.  They can: work with children between 6-15 years, do small building projects, hold soccer or sports camps, do environmental education in the community, visit the elderly, learn more about issues in the community, assist with teaching girls about sports, English tutoring, work in classrooms, do theatre projects, or create your own projects.  
• Dress: It is best to wear light cotton clothes.  Women should dress so as to not attract too much attention, especially while working with kids or visiting homes and neighborhoods.  Typicaly attire is gym shorts (appropriate length), t-shirts, and tennis shoes.
• Extra Fun: There are beaches within walking distance and the water is always good for swimming.  They have some of the best beaches in the Caribbean.  Make sure to bring a lot of sunscreen and to drink a lot of bottled water.  There is also an opportunity for an excursion into the mountains of the Dominican Republic for a hike including spectacular views and waterfalls. 
• Focus: Social Justice, Intentional Living, children, and poverty.

Interested in applying to co-lead or participate on the Dominican Republic trip?  Apply here to co-lead or here to participate! 

Please note: $100 due with acceptance of a position!

Any questions about this trip can be directed to Alternative Break Experiences at abe@csbsju.edu