Dominican Republic

By: Meredith Y. '30

On the weekend of February 14th, Sra. McKinney and Coach Rivas accompanied a group of 8th graders to the Dominican Republic for a community service trip where the students gave their time to help at The Cigar Family School. This school teaches “children whose parents worked as farmers for a large tobacco company,” explained Ben T. ‘30. While at the school, Cayman H. ‘30 shared that Berkeley students “painted a new building in [the Dominican students’] school and helped around their classrooms.” Berkeley’s eighth graders also engaged in social activities with the Dominican students. Annika D. ‘30 “hung out with the little kids and played volleyball and basketball.”

The trip was highly impactful on all those who went. Sophia M ‘30 noted the trip made her feel “more grateful for my house and shelter as well as having the chance to attend a school like Berkeley,” a sentiment shared by all who the Bugle interviewed. Emersyn D. ‘30 agreed, adding that “The most impactful part was seeing the houses on the way through a neighborhood where the typical house was a couple pieces of wood balanced against each other.” Students also highlighted their appreciation for the opportunity to experience a culture very different from their own.

Sra. McKinney was also shocked by the poverty she saw in the Dominican Republic. “One of the most impactful parts of the trip was visiting a school that has only two classrooms. One for kindergarten through 2nd grade and another for 3rd through 5th. The students had very limited resources, just desks and chairs, and no technology. When I spoke with the teacher, she shared that the students come to school every day with a smile, excited for the opportunity to learn. They support each other, work hard, and keep going despite the challenges. That perspective stayed with me and was a powerful reminder of gratitude and resilience.”