Our Story | Our DREAM
Cabarete, 1995: Overcrowded, understaffed classrooms, dilapidated facilities, no running water or electricity, no libraries…local children, teens and young adults had no access to the resources essential to break the cycle of poverty.
DREAM Founder Michel Zaleski got started by bringing down Dartmouth College students to supplement teaching at Cabarete’s two public schools. This effort inspired additional donors to construct classrooms, libraries and bathrooms to support the new volunteers. With the understanding that the public education system would continue to need support, DREAM built its own facilities and registered as a US and Dominican non-profit, formally establishing DREAM in 2002.
Today: DREAM has grown from a small community initiative in Cabarete to a nationwide network of 15 communities, reaching more than 6,500 children, youth, and young adults through 17 innovative programs. Through literacy, early childhood education, youth leadership, and community-based initiatives, DREAM works to ensure that children and young people in our partner communities have consistent access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.
Our Mission
Provide high-quality educational opportunities to children, youth, and families in the Dominican Republic.
Our Vision
Our transformative education programs complement the national education system and empower at-risk children and youth to create a better future for themselves and their families. Through innovative approaches to literacy, early childhood education, youth leadership, music instruction and community support, DREAM promotes critical thinking and independence to enrich lives and strengthen sustainable communities.
Our Values
Inclusive, innovative and community-based education for all. At DREAM, learning never stops and opportunity is our great equalizer.
EQUITY
We respect diversity and fight to overcome prejudices, promoting the integration and inclusion of all regardless of race, sex, physical condition, religion or economic status.
INTEGRITY
We act with respect, responsibility, honesty and authenticity, supporting our words with our actions.
OPPORTUNITY
We believe that everyone deserves the same opportunity to learn and develop, and we create the right conditions for them to thrive.
QUALITY
We strive to continuously improve our programs, providing the best educators and a steadfast commitment to always producing the best results.
SUSTAINABILITY
We develop programs that can be successfully implemented and replicated in other communities in the country, leaving behind the necessary tools for future generations to continue their development.
TRANSPARENCY
We aim to track every achievement and dollar spent on our programs and provide detailed reports on all our activities.
