Los Brazos Cultural Center

Project Specifics:

• Name of Project: Los Brazos Cultural Center
• Location: Los Brazos, North Coast, Dominican Republic
• Type of Facility: Private cultural center run by Paulina Tremblay
• Ownership: Paulina Tremblay
• DREAM Start date at Project: September, 2004
• Current DREAM Volunteer: In process of soliciting Peace Corps volunteer
• Special Donors: Cornell University and Athenian School

Project Overview:

The DREAM Project, with the help of Cornell University and the Athenian School, has built a cultural, community and literacy center that serves the members of the Los Brazos community of over 3,000 people.

In March 2004, students from The Athenian School transformed an abandoned house into a new library at Jardín de Los Niños. The house was purchased last year by Paulina Tremblay, Jardín's director, and sits only a few meters from the main school.

In January 2005, a student group from Cornell University constructed an additional building. The DREAM Project is currently soliciting funds to acquire a video library, books, and computers. DREAM's vision is one of a public library in which community members, both young and old, can come together to meet, learn and share ideas.

Project Timeline:

2006/2007

• DREAM assists center and solicits for Peace Corps volunteer

2004-2006

• Cornell University doubles size of center with new building
• DREAM donates $2,000 to launch center

2003/2004

• Athenian School transforms abandoned house into new library
• Paulina Tremblay purchases land and abandoned house

Program Goals:

As an independently run private center that receives no funding from the Dominican government, it is DREAM’s goal to help Los Brazos Cultural Center become financially independent. DREAM will continue to train a teacher at this site in the Step by Step Program to enrich the school curriculum.

DREAM encourages people to contact Paulina Tremblay directly at 809-321-9702 and visit http://jardindesenfants.com/ for more information about this project.

Program Needs:

• Volunteers: DREAM is soliciting for a Peace Corps volunteer to live and work at the site.
• Books: The DREAM Project is soliciting donations to purchase books for the community library.
• Construction: The only bathroom at this school is a latrine that needs to be renovated. DREAM is seeking funds to improve the sanitary conditions and build new bathrooms with running water.
• Materials: DREAM is continually seeking basic school supplies for our classrooms. Please refer to our supply wish list for our most current needs.
• Computers: Due to the current electricity situation, the best computers for this site would be VTech Language Learning Notebook, which can be purchased at Radio Shack for $100 each with additional batteries.