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Goals of this Center is to create a space where children can conceive learning as an adventure and not as an obligation from as early as possible. To give children of this local rural community a start in their scholar career equal to private kindergarten and preschools. The basis of this education will be equal rights, promotion of democratic principles and a child centered education. |
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Since the time of Trujillo (Dominican Dictator that was assassinated in 1961), or even before, the concept of ignorance was what kept people alive (the less you know the less chances you have to get killed).This concept remained mainly in the rural areas up to this day where children, due to the ignorance of the parents, are systematically trained not to ask not to explore and not to question anything. |
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Our intention is to support children in their natural instinct to explore and learn and at the same time teach parents the importance to cooperate in this training.As a first step a multipurpose building was constructed, primarily to be used as a Kindergarten, Pre-school and Library. Outside of teaching hours this space is used as a community center for Youth groups. In contrast to public schools the architectural concept of this building is to motivate children by having created a space that allows learning, exploring and fantasizing in an safe environment. Construction was started in December of 2005 and finished in May of 2006. Adult teaching and Books are unknown in this rural community, but by offering a library with activities oriented around books, having newspapers and magazines available we might be able to create a culture of reading that allows a better introduction of computers and internet. |
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At this first stage we have 29 children in the Kindergarten primarily from the La Mina which is one of the poorest villages in the area. |
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At the same time during the afternoon we give 3 English classes a week and one computer course and an art class serving approximately 120 Students on an weekly base. |
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If you like to help us in our project to bring education to rural Village in the Dominican Republic here are some ways to sent us money. If you rather sent learning material please get in contact with us first to know what we need and what would be the best way to sent it. The best way to sent money is either by check or wiring to our account. Please always mention the schools name. |
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Summary of the first year (2007) of the Ruth Plaut Foundation, pdf download [427 KB]
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