The DREAM Project Montessori Preschool

In spite of a universal acceptance that early childhood education is a critical component to any education, the Dominican Republic does not offer public preschool education programs. This deficiency has had a profound negative effect on the Dominican education system. In fact, in a 2008 UNESCO (SERCE) study of academic achievement for third and sixth grade students, the Dominican Republic came in dead last in the areas of Math, Reading and Science, significantly lower than the other 16 Latin American countries participating. These poor scores have a direct correlation with the lack of quality preschool education programs and the preparation of these students.  The DREAM Project’s Early Childhood Education Programs expose impoverished youth to the highest quality of education at an early age,  providing a base to build from and the skills to break the cycle of poverty they find themselves in.

The Montessori Method of education, developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, is a child-centered educational approach based on scientific observations of children from birth to adulthood. Dr. Montessori’s Method has been time tested, with over 100 years of success in diverse cultures throughout the world.  It is a view of the child as one who is naturally eager for knowledge and capable of initiating learning in a supportive, thoughtfully prepared learning environment. It is an approach that values the human spirit and the development of the whole child—physical, social, emotional, and cognitive.

The DREAM Project has currently facilitates preschool programs in communities of Cabarete, Caraballo, Libertad, Abreu and Esperanza, Dominican Republic.

• Full Project Summary

  Mission

  We believe that quality, early and continuing education is the most effective way to break the cycle of poverty and change destinies. Our mission is to run inclusive, sustainable education programs for children and youth in the Dominican Republic that can be replicated throughout impoverished global communities.

  Vision

  Our vision is that all children born in the Dominican Republic have the opportunity to receive an education and learn to their full potential. It is our hope that our efforts can be multiplied to allow the opportunity for every child’s gifts and challenges to be met with support. It is our goal to break the cycle of poverty and change people’s destinies. It is our dream that the world will be a better place for the children and families of the next generation.

  The Dominican Republic Education And Mentoring Project is a 501(c)3 US-based nonprofit organization.

• Project Outcome

  Millwoods Christian is beginning it's fourth year of sponsorship of The DREAM Project's Caraballo preschool program. In addition to providing funds our students travel to the Dominican Republic to meet the children of the preschool and participate in other education initiatives facilitated by The DREAM Project.

Project Gallery

More

• How to create projects

  Only a school site admin can set up new projects. Ask you teacher to get help in setting up a project page. Once set up you can write blog articles to support your project. 

  New Projects can be of many types: an event, a take action project, a study, or a Trickster Residency.

• What is Trickster Theatre

  Trickster Theatre hosts weeklong residencies in Alberta schools. We help create an original show with up to 500 actors - on any theme. We provide the lights, curtains, sounds, costumes, and more! 

  Fore more information, please visit the Trickster Theatre website.