Construction of the Educational "AVENTURA ESPEJO"

Introduction and background

The project aims to offer educational, social, and economic solutions in the Upper Basin of the San Juan River, a rural and vulnerable area in the Central Mountain Range of the Dominican Republic. In this region, access to quality education is limited, affecting the development of its communities. 

The Vocational Educational Center Aventura (CEVA), part of Educational Region 02 of San Juan and managed by the Diocese of San Juan de la Maguana through the Parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Sabaneta, already provides secondary education to young people from 10 remote communities. It is the only alternative for students to complete their education without leaving their homes. 

CEVA represents more than just an educational institution; it symbolizes a key tool for breaking the cycle of poverty and generational isolation, offering opportunities that transform the lives of children and adolescents in the region. 

Context of the Communities

The communities of the Upper San Juan River Basin have an estimated population of 900 inhabitants, over 75% of whom live in poverty. The lack of adequate infrastructure, such as roads and basic services, has perpetuated isolation, limiting access to healthcare, education, and development opportunities. In this context, agriculture is the primary economic activity, although it is practiced in a rudimentary and environmentally unsustainable manner, contributing to the degradation of the basin's natural resources.

The educational reality of these communities has been a source of deep concern for the priests and missionaries who have worked in the area for decades. Among the challenges are an illiteracy rate exceeding 80% among those over 14 years old, school absenteeism due to child labor, a disconnect between families and schools, and a shortage or inconsistency of educators. Additionally, the growing digital divide exacerbates the existing educational gap.

Project Rationale:

In a world where education is seen as the main vehicle for accessing better opportunities, the lack of access to quality education places children from these communities at a disadvantage. Inspired by UNESCO's statement that "education is a treasure," the "Aventura-Espejo" Project aims not only to provide educational infrastructure but also to offer a comprehensive approach that includes vocational and environmental training. The goal of this project is to equip communities with the necessary tools to face educational and socioeconomic challenges while respecting their natural environment and strengthening their community fabric.

The "Aventura-Espejo" is, in essence, a bridge to a more promising future for the communities of the Upper San Juan River Basin. Through this project, the aim is to empower the younger population, reduce inequalities, and foster sustainable development that transforms the lives of families and ensures the well-being of future generations.

In the 2024-2025 school year, the academic year was successfully inaugurated at the second site of the Aventura Educational Center, which has officially been renamed Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe Educational Center, instead of Aventura Espejo. This change was due to a regulation that prohibits the use of the term "mirror" unless the facilities are built on the same physical site. The new name, Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, establishes a significant connection with the Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe Parish of Fundación D&S, one of the co-financer of this project, which strengthens this beautiful bond.

This school year marks the beginning of teaching in four levels, from 3rd to 6th grade of secondary school, and work continues to obtain official recognition as a polytechnic center. In this first year, the student population begins with 25 students, and the commitment continues to increase enrollment in the coming years. As the center progresses, plans are also in place to incorporate adult education programs under the Santa María Radio Schools model, a Catholic Church program officially recognized by the Ministry of Education.

The Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe Educational Center is now a reality, operating under the academic and Extended School Day model, offering essential services such as a kitchen for students, teachers, and support and administrative staff.

We deeply appreciate the donors and Fundación Corazonistas for their strong commitment to education and faith, whose valuable contribution made possible the construction of the bathrooms and two classroom buildings. Thank you for being part of this important project!

As planned, the buildings are simple and functional, adapted to the needs of the center. Additionally, we highlight the generous participation of the local community, which contributed unskilled labor and provided meals for the construction workers.

1. Project Status:

As of today, the bathrooms are fully completed, with plumbing and electricity installed, awaiting only painting.

The construction progress has been slower than initially expected due to various delays. In the meantime, the chapel's bathrooms have been used. "To collaborate here, one must have a lot of patience," says Marta del Castillo, lay missionary and project counterpart. Local timing and circumstances, such as delays and rainfall, have significantly affected the progress of the works. One example of these setbacks was the need to redo the excavation for the bathrooms, as it had initially been done in the wrong location, too close to the classrooms.

Thanks to the support of Fundación Corazonistas and Dignidad y Solidaridad, the project has progressed, enabling the construction of the bathrooms and two additional buildings: one for classrooms and another for the kitchen and office. In total, four classrooms have been made available, corresponding to the 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th grades of secondary school.

Despite the challenges, the school year finally began in August, as scheduled.

1. PROJECT OBJECTIVES ACHIEVED:

General Objective Achieved: Construction of the new "Aventura Espejo" educational center in the community of La Lima, on the shores of the Sabaneta reservoir, which opened last August to begin the 2024-2025 school year, offering the last four years of secondary education.

Specific Objectives Achieved:

• An educational space is provided that allows children, adolescents, and young people in the communities of La Loma, in the upper San Juan River Basin - Sabaneta Reservoir, to complete their secondary education.
• The number of students in the reference area finishing secondary school has increased.
• Students' interest in learning and studying has been awakened.
• It contributes to the spiritual growth of the students, based on Christian values: peace, solidarity, respect, effort...
• A positive environment has been created that fosters equitable, cordial, and respectful human relationships at the new Aventura Espejo Educational Center.
• Communication and integration of parents in the educational process of their children have been established.

1. GOALS AND ACHIEVED RESULTS OF THE PROJECT:

• An educational space is provided for the communities of La Loma (in the upper San Juan River Basin - Sabaneta Reservoir), allowing students to complete their secondary education.

• Comprehensive education is offered to children, adolescents, and young people in the communities of La Loma, in the upper San Juan River Basin - Sabaneta Reservoir.

• The construction of the new "Proyecto Espejo" Educational Center is increasing the number of secondary school students enrolled from the communities of Las Lomas, specifically 25 young people, during the 2024-2025 school year.

• The communities of Hondo Valle, La Higuera, La Ciénega Vieja, Boca de los Arroyos, La Lima, El Ingenito, Majagual, and Los Gajitos, located on the shores of the Sabaneta Reservoir, are benefiting through the families of the students.

• During the 2024-2025 school year, the 20 families of the students are indirectly benefiting, as their children receive quality, comprehensive education. It is also believed that the communities from which they come will benefit from the intellectual, personal, and spiritual growth of their young people, which will undoubtedly contribute to the well-being and progress of the communities.

• The 25 students' interest in learning and spiritual growth is awakened, based on the values of peace, solidarity, respect, and effort.

1. ACTIVITIES AND ACHIEVED CALENDAR:

Development of the construction work for the new educational center:

December 2023: Appointment of the educator responsible for the new "Aventura Espejo" educational center, a Lay Missionary from the OCASHA organization. The educator is a member of the management team at "Centro Aventura," with experience in teaching and organizational work at this center, which has been operating for 11 years.

January – September 2024: Supervision of the construction work for the "Proyecto Espejo" educational center. Following the scheduled plan for the center's spaces, the construction of the differentiated areas was monitored: educational area (classrooms), common spaces, and bathrooms in outdoor areas.

January – September 2024: Continuation and follow-up of the administrative and documentation management for the necessary permits to meet all the administrative requirements for the school's opening.

May 2024: Organization of the center by areas. Determining the areas of work for the proper functioning of the center: spirituality area, education area, nutrition area, auxiliary areas, direction, and coordination.

May 2024: Determination of the profile for students, educators, and families.

June – August 2024: Recruitment of staff for the education, kitchen, and auxiliary areas. Local people were hired, who, with the new center, find dignified work.

July 2024: Organization of the school calendar and schedules. The annual work calendar is the one officially established by the Ministry of Education.

July – August 2024: Establishment of the internal regulations, philosophy, and ethical-religious principles that support the educational project. Given the special characteristics of the center, it is essential for all members of the school community to understand and embrace the internal regulations, philosophy, and ethical-religious principles to ensure harmony, good human relations, and optimal use of all opportunities offered. The driving force behind these regulations, and the center as a whole, is the pedagogy of love.

August 2024: Start of the school year.

August – December 2024: Progress of the first months of the school year.

1. HUMAN RESOURCES AND MATERIAL RESOURCES:

Local Project Manager:

Marta del Castillo

Nationality: Spanish

Experience: Extensive teaching experience in Spain and the Dominican Republic as a lay missionary with the OCASHA organization.

For the start-up and organization of the center, the lay missionary, Marta del Castillo, is in charge, with her salary and maintenance covered by the OCASHA organization. The teaching staff, kitchen staff, and auxiliary personnel were hired starting in September, with their salaries covered by the local parish and charitable entities in the area.

For the construction of the "Aventura Espejo" educational center, the local community contributed unskilled labor and meals for the workers. The foreman brought his small crew, and the community provided the rest.

Acquisition of Materials for the Project: Resources provided by the donors as part of the "Aventura - Espejo" Educational, Environmental, and Vocational Center Construction Project.

Thanks to the generous contribution from donors,  it was possible to purchase the essential construction materials, including concrete blocks, cement, and transportation. It is important to note that due to the exchange rate at the time, which was under 60 Dominican pesos per euro, the entire contribution was fully invested in acquiring these essential resources.

The remaining expenses related to hiring the foreman, the foundation, plumbing, and roofing were funded by Fundación Corazonistas. In total, the budget allocated for this phase of the project amounted to 382,361 pesos (approximately 6,000 euros), of which 1,500 euros were provided by Donors.

On 20/07/2024, Fundación Corazonistas made a transfer of 6,116.52 euros to the Aventura Espejo Educational Center, under the responsibility of Marta del Castillo, project manager, for the execution of the project, specifically for the purchase of construction materials and labor. This amount included the 1,500 euros donated by donors.

Below is the justification for the materials purchased. The invoice, transfer, and photos of the process are included in the annex.

Materials

Costs

750 uds Concrete blocks                     DOP 27.750 – € 470 462,50

140 uds Cement bags                         DOP  59.960  –  € 999,33

1 uds Transport                                   DOP 4.000 - € 66,66

TOTAL                                                DOP 91.710 - € 1.528,50

1 euro = 60 pesos dominicanos (According to the exchange rate on 15/07/24.)

1 euro = 60 pesos dominicanos (According to the exchange rate on 15/07/24.)

1. Beneficiaries:

Direct beneficiaries: The 2024-2025 school year has 25 students, divided between 3rd and 6th grades of secondary education. The number of students will increase in the following years.

Indirect beneficiaries: During 2024, 20 families will benefit indirectly, as their children will receive quality education.

The 10 communities from which they come will also benefit from the intellectual, personal, and spiritual growth of some of their young people, which will undoubtedly contribute to the well-being and progress of the community.

1. Project Feasibility

Thanks to the funding provided by the donors for the construction materials necessary for the bathrooms of the new educational center, as well as for transporting these materials to the construction site, the completion of the project has been made possible. This funding, along with support from other collaborators, has enabled the acquisition of high-quality materials, which, with proper maintenance, will endure for many years, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the infrastructure.

The sources of funding and collaborations are as follows: the 02-06 San Juan Oeste Educational District and the 02 Regional of San Juan from the Ministry of Education of the Dominican Republic. Generous contributions have also come from entities such as Globlagiving, Fundación D&S, Fundación Corazonistas, Fundación de Desarrollo Azua, San Juan, Elías Piña (FUNDASEP), Fundación de Laicos Misioneros de OCASHA-CCs, an Italian public association of faithful, and a private donor.

This inter-institutional collaboration and the commitment of the funders have ensured not only the feasibility of the project during its construction phase but also its long-term sustainability, enabling the start of activities in the 2024-2025 school year.

The construction project of the "Aventura - Espejo" Educational, Environmental, and Vocational Center is supported by these entities, which play a key role in its feasibility and sustainability. The staff hired by the OCASHA Lay Missionaries organization is particularly important, as they are accredited educators. This team is essential to ensure the proper functioning of the center, as well as to organize activities and structure the educational model, following the successful framework of Colegio Aventura, operational since 2012. They have also been responsible for supervising the construction works and coordinating collaborative activities with the families of the students.

The OCASHA organization, together with the Aventura Educational Center, the San Juan de Managua Parish, and the support of FUNDASEP and various local charitable entities, assumes responsibility for the maintenance of the educational center, as well as for paying the salaries of the educators and hired auxiliary staff.

FUNDASEP (Fundación de Desarrollo Azua, San Juan, Elías Piña, Inc.) is a non-profit regional institution, founded in 1992 and supported by law 122-05 of the Dominican Republic. Its mission is to support the social action of the Catholic Church in the Diocese of San Juan de la Maguana, promoting projects and programs for integral and sustainable human development in areas such as education, health, the environment, culture, and the economy. FUNDASEP carries out its mission efficiently and effectively, raising community self-esteem, promoting self-management, and supporting environmental sustainability in the most needy communities of the southern Dominican Republic.

The staff from the FUNDASEP Education Department, together with the OCASHA Lay Missionaries team, is responsible for the continuation of the Aventura Espejo Educational Center, under the direction of Father Cristian Quezada, the school's principal and parish priest of the parish where the center is located. Additionally, the administrative staff from FUNDASEP and the parish team from the Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish of S. Juan de Sabaneta are involved in the project.

The Ministry of Education of the Dominican Republic, along with various associations, also actively participates by providing timely support through financial contributions, volunteer work, and in-kind donations.

Thanks to these valuable collaborations, along with the experience accumulated by the Aventura Vocational Educational Center in the region, the feasibility and continuity of the project are considered to be guaranteed in the long term, ensuring its success and sustainability.

• Final photographs and documents of the proyect (PDF)