Construction of the Educational "AVENTURA ESPEJO"

The 'Aventura Vocational Educational Center (CEVA)' in the Dominican Republic is crucial for remote communities in the San Juan region. Founded in 2012, this center is the only educational option for students from 10 communities in the Central Cordillera. These communities face high levels of poverty and lack access to basic services. Agriculture, the main economic activity, is conducted in a detrimental manner to natural resources due to a lack of technical skills. Education in these communities is affected by high rates of illiteracy, teacher absenteeism, and child labor. To address these issues, a branch of CEVA, called 'Aventura Espejo,' will be opened in the La Lima community. This new educational center aims to provide secondary education through a multifaceted approach, with the hope of improving educational opportunities and reducing disparities in the region.

1.2. WHAT THE PROJECT AIMS TO ACHIEVE:

The project aims to build the "Aventura Espejo" educational center in La Lima, Dominican Republic, to provide secondary education to children and youth from remote communities. Additionally, it aims to improve the educational situation, foster interest in learning, strengthen Christian values, create a positive environment, and promote parental involvement. It also aims to offer training in various vocational areas.

1.3 THE CONTRIBUTION FROM GLOBALGIVING, THE LOCAL PARTNER BENEFICIARIES, AND OTHER INSTITUTIONS:

We are requesting a grant of $3,307 from GlobalGiving for the maintenance of the project's lead teacher at the new Aventura Espejo Educational Center for one year. The total cost of the project is $3,307, including the annual maintenance of the responsible educator, a member of the Lay Missionary Entity OCASHA, who will oversee the proper operation of the construction of the new school and its implementation, following the vision, mission, and values of the Aventura Project initiated in the year 2000; she will also supervise the functioning of the different areas of the center.

Except for the possible contribution from GlobalGiving, the Foundation Corazonistas, along with the local partner, the Aventura Educational Project, and the Lay Missionary Entity OCASHA and FUNDASEP, will take charge of the project amount.

1.4 ORGANIZATION SUBMITTING THE REQUEST (LOCAL PARTNER):

The organization submitting the request (local partner) is the Aventura Educational Center. It is located in Ciénega Abajo, Dominican Republic, with Marta del Castillo Burgos as the contact person. Marta del Castillo Burgos can be reached by phone at +1 (809) 789-5275 or by email at martadelcb@yahoo.es

2. PURPOSES AND AREAS OF WORK OF THE ORGANIZATION:

The Aventura Educational Center addresses the serious educational reality in the Upper Basin communities of the San Juan River. Lack of education and disconnect between school and community are significant issues. Since 2000, the Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish and FUNDASEP have worked on projects to improve education. One of their initiatives is the Aventura Educational Center, which provides environmental and vocational education to children in La Loma. This center aims to close the educational gap and promote sustainable agricultural practices.

Below is a very illustrative video of the organization that visually summarizes the purposes and areas of work of the Aventura Educational Center: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9D3wjXu1gs

2.1 RESPONSIBLE PERSONS OF THE ENTITY:

Bishop of the Diocese of San Juan de Managua: Tomás Alejo Concepción

Director of Aventura Educational Center: Father Salvador Amauri Beltré Galván

Management Team: Educator Marta del Castillo Burgos alongside FUNDASEP Director (collaborating entity) Father Miguel Seis

Name of the Local Project Responsible. Nationality. Position. Experience.

Name: Marta del Castillo

Nationality: Spanish

Experience: Extensive teaching experience in Spain and in the Dominican

Republic as a lay missionary in the OCASHA organization.

Video of Marta del Castillo at Corazonistas Conferences:

https://youtu.be/Qkb1iLatMHA?si=u099ki5QdSwf4bcq

3. PROJECT ACTIVITIES CARRIED OUT:

• Appointment of the educator in charge of the new "Aventura Espejo" Educational Center in December 2023. The educator is a lay missionary from the OCASHA organization and is a member of the management team of the "Aventura Center," with experience in teaching and organizational work at this center, which has been operating for 11 years.

• Ongoing supervision of the construction work at Aventura Espejo Educational Center from January to April 2024, including the construction of two new classrooms.

• Continuous monitoring and control of administrative and documentary management from January to May 2024 to ensure compliance with all administrative requirements for the school's opening.

4. PROJECT VIABILITY:

The project's viability relies on a combination of funding sources, including donations from various organizations and a private donor, as well as the commitment to maintain and operate the school from OCASHA, Aventura Educational Center, the Parish of San Juan de Managua, and FUNDASEP. Trained staff from OCASHA and FUNDASEP will ensure the project's continuity, guaranteeing the school's maintenance and the well-being of educators and support staff. Recently, the project has received news that the Ministry of Education of the Dominican Republic has offered to support the project.

5. BUDGET AND FINANCIAL BREAKDOWN: 

Maintenance                                                                                                       Costs

Maintenance of the  proyect`s leading teacher for 1 year                                3307 $

6. PROJECT MONITORING AND EVALUATION:

• At six months, provide information on the development of the project itself, presenting the progress, challenges, and opportunities.
• At one year, submit a project report, following the outlined program structure (objectives, goals, activities, expense breakdown and justification, evaluation of different phases: design, initiation, development, consolidation, completion).

It is the standard practice of the Corazonistas Foundation to meticulously monitor the projects we collaborate with and maintain smooth communication with our funding partners. The relationship with the local counterpart, Marta del Castillo, is very dynamic, occurring almost daily via phone, email, or WhatsApp.

7. PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE TWO NEW CLASSROOMS:

Attached are photographs with teh progress