The DREAM Project and Cigar Country have partnered to promote a sustainable early learning system in the Dominican Republic, based on the Montessori Method and best practices in early childhood care and education. With this partnership, the DREAM Montessori Prize arises, which features two prizes: a first place will receive the provision of equipment, furniture, materials and support and training for two years to install a Montessori classroom; a second place will receive a classroom library, which includes custom shelves and a variety of dynamic, age-appropriate children's books.

Last month, two book fairs were held, one in the community of Guerra, Santo Domingo, sponsored by the LA Dodgers and another in the community of Verón, Punta Cana, sponsored by the Consorcio Energético Punta Cana-Macao (CEPM ). On both fairs, activities with a specific theme were carried out and combined fun, learning and love for reading, impacting a total of more than 300 students in at-risk communities.

Last Sunday, the 8th Annual DREAM Holiday Brunch was held at Velero Beach Resort and brought together the Cabarete community, local entrepreneurs and philanthropists from North Coast to give back to the community. Family, friends and fun. The guests enjoyed a delicious brunch, spectacular sounds from DJ Kitrinos and DJ Natali Satin, as well as fun activities and games for all.

DREAM's successful implementation of literacy promotion practices have been recognized by the United States Library of Congress, being acknowledged as a Successful Practices Honoree. The recognition was specifically given for DREAM's work on Mi Mundo, a free community magazine published by DREAM students. Aspiring young journalists gain hands-on experience creating content relevant to children, youth, and families in their community, written and organized into a dynamic, family-friendly publication that puts Dominican culture at the forefront. Students report on local stories embedded in Dominican life, such as community members, sports, food and music.

Thanks to a strategic partnership between the LA Dodgers and the DREAM Project, another successful summer camp centered around fun and learning just wrapped up at the Futuro Vivo School in Santo Domingo. The camp, focused on interactive science and art, hosted 85 students from the academy’s surrounding community.

The DREAM Project’s Luceros Human Rights and Documentation Project has selected as one of the winners of the IV edition of the Óscar Arnulfo Romero Ibero-American Award for Human Rights Education by the SM Foundation and the Organization of Ibero-American States for Education, Science and Culture. The Óscar Arnulfo Romero Ibero-American National Prize For Human Rights Education seeks to recognize the work of educational institutions and civil society organizations that act in an exemplary manner in the defense and promotion of human rights through education. As the national winners of the award, Luceros attended the IV International Seminar on Human Rights Education.

The 10th edition of our Annual Benefit and awards, Sueños 2022, took place last Thursday, May 5, at Lavan 541, Chelsea, New York City. Celebrities, philanthropists, educators, and 200 guests who support DREAM's mission to provide high-quality education to children, youth, and families in the Dominican Republic gathered to celebrate our positive transformations. Guests enjoyed gourmet Dominican hors d'oeuvre and special Brugal 1888 cocktails.

More than 100 people gathered to support our young learners. A big thank you to our organizing committee, attendees and especially to our amazing sponsors Andari Spa, ULA, Cultura Viva, Century 21 Perdomo, EcoServe, Realtor DR and El Catador.

Guests enjoyed music, conversation, wine, food and entertainment.

Professionals from the educational sector and interested collaborators came together to meet and discuss the theme “Promoting family involvement and participation in education”. The panel was moderated by Amanda Alcantara, writer and journalist, and composed of Yadira Lama de Bournigal, president of Alexia Foundation, Megan Jeanette Myers, associate professor at Iowa State University, and Pura Barruos, Reading Programs coordinator at DREAM Project.

Charlie’s Foundation and DREAM have decided to merge to better serve communities in and around Cabarete. At DREAM en Charlie, DREAM will continue Charlie’s Foundation’s English as a Second Language, Physical Literacy, Career Readiness and Summer Camp programs and will add its Literacy, Montessori Academy and Youth Leadership programs at the site.