Public-Private Alliance

The public-private alliance encompasses our work with public schools as well as our partnerships with the government and other NGOs. The focus of all programs under the DREAM umbrella is sustainability and providing the necessary support so that all children can have equal access to education. Educational reform in the public school system is desperately needed. DREAM is partnering with the government to help achieve the Millennium Developmental Goals and to revolutionize the education system.

DREAM currently has three programs that fall under the public-private alliance sector: Colonia Nueva, the DREAM Center and Puerto Cabarete. At these sites DREAM volunteers run various programs in order to engage the government and community in working towards sustainable, achievable goals. The programs offered cover the following areas:

Teacher Training
Volunteers help to reform the current education system by introducing child-centered teaching methods and supporting community and family involvement in preschool and primary school.

Model Preschool Classrooms
Teacher-certified volunteers provide instruction for preschool-aged children. Volunteers run curricula and programs that follow the Montessori principles of peace education and are focused on interactive learning methodology. Volunteers run classrooms to serve as DREAM models for quality education.

Library Reading Programs
Volunteers work in school libraries to offer one-on-one tutoring and reading assistance for students (K-8). Volunteers offer reading assistance 5 days a week, test pilot reading programs and observe and monitor progress for each student.

Computer Labs
Volunteers work in school computer labs to train students and teachers in basic computer skills. In order to provide computer access to the community and a sustainable income with which to run the lab, volunteers also train parent committees in lab operations and internet café management skills.

Youth Groups & Student Councils
Volunteers organize and lead youth groups and student councils in activities that instill community pride, encourage responsibility and develop vocational and life skills. Areas of focus include: environmental awareness, science and English education, sports and recreation instruction and sex education.

Parent Teacher Associations
Volunteers help organize parent teacher associations so that the communities in which they work take ownership of their school. Volunteers work to educate the community and increase parental involvement with the goal of self-sustaining schools. Volunteers assist with petitions, grant writing and fundraising that further the parents’ goals.