Service learning - microloan funding
One of my goals in college was to serve an international community, and Quinnipiac University offered me that opportunity. Not only was I able to give back to the community, but I was also able to expand my knowledge in my specific field of study - business. I had always imagined that heath care related fields would have a larger impact on a community than my major, but after a few short weeks I learned just how important business, and even a microloan can be to a family living in a batey in the Dominican Republic.
Teaching financial health
Business in the Dominican Republic is completely different from business in the states. Jobs are scarce and the unemployment rate is off the charts. Before I went to the Dominican, I was under the impression that if someone works hard enough there is a 99% chance they will be able to meet with success, pull themselves out of poverty and move to an area where their families can flourish, the Dominican taught me differently.
The microloan funding program allowed us to loan small amounts of money to 6 women of batey Peligro. These types of loans are crucial to the women in the batey because what we may think is a small amount of money, is actually a large amount to these women. Small loans of $500.00 allowed these women to either start or enlarge their already operating small business. Most of the businesses were built around food preparation because most families, if employed, would spend all day working in the sugar cane fields.
Upon arriving at the batey, we worked side by side with these women, and taught them the fundamentals of business and loan repayment and monitored their progress.
teaching physical health
Over the course of two days, we gave back to the community. While being escorted around the Dominican Republic, we learned about the various medical issues and heath concerns in each community. We rolled up our sleeves and spent one day washing children who were covered in dirt and had severe cases of scabies. We helped treat their water sources against the Zika virus and taught the families about disease prevention.
Getting to know the kids
Getting to know the kids was an unforgettable experience! The learning conditions inside their schoolhouse was so different from what we were used to. All children whether they are kindergarten or middle school are taught the same exact same material in a confined space. Younger children sat on the laps of older children because space was so tight.
We taught the children about hygiene and how to wash their hands. A hand washing song was the best way to help the kids remember what we taught them. Suitcases of soap and wash buckets allowed them to continue the routine. By the last day of our trip, we played soccer, design games and created lifelogn bonds with the kids.
