Impact Projects in the Dominican Republic

You will put your skills, your passions, and your shipboard orientation and training to good use in the nearby villages to Puerto Plata. For three days you'll work alongside local residents and Fathom's partner organizations, adding your unique input to projects that focus on improving environmental, educational and economic conditions for the aspirational and hard-working people of the Dominican Republic.

Impact - Education
English Learning
With the high demand in English education, Fathom makes a great impact with school-age to adult learners. You'll work with both teachers and students on activities designed to create interests and excitement in the learning process and aid in language retention. For adult-learners you'll be able to participate in Community English activities that help bolster employment opportunities for lower income adults.

Creative Arts, Music
Although children who participate in creative programs have shown increased attendance, higher reading comprehension and writing skills, and stronger problem-solving and creative-thinking capacities, the Dominican public school system has limited creative outlets for students. You'll have the opportunity to be part of an innovative summer camp program designed to tackle the problem head-on.

Impact - Environmental
Potable water and reforestation are integral to the livelihood and health of Dominicans. Fathom has joined forces with established organizations and local artisans to produce and distribute clay water filters. Reforestation efforts involve activities that range from the simple potting of tree seedlings and transporting plants, to assisting local Dominicans with establishing and managing tree nurseries, to the more strenuous efforts of cultivation and planting.

Impact - Economic Development 
The efforts for economic development allow you to contribute to the work of local women's cooperatives. You can participate in the complete product cycle of chocolate production: from planting and cultivating of the organic cacao trees, to preparing the raw materials. You can contribute to an Arts and Crafts Production Cooperative that works with recycled paper. Further economic contribution is made through the Host Family Program designed to give local families access to the tourism economy and give you the opportunity to get to know a Dominican family. There are also opportunities to contribute to the Healthcare system through Special Needs Rehabilitation programs as well as Home Improvement programs where you can help to provide better living conditions to participating families' homes.

Contact your Travel Professional for more details today!