Group Service Projects in the DR

  Dominican Republic

Santo Domingo

Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks and 5-8 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks

Description: CSA works directly with local communities, organizations and leaders to identify needs and develop volunteer projects and internships to respond to these needs. Through support to local communities, CSA channels direct assistance to much-needed initiatives at the grassroots level through interns, volunteers and financial resources. These efforts aim to improve the lives of Dominican families, while creating a meaningful experience of cultural understanding and exchange between communities and CSA volunteers.

Volunteers are charged a cost of $55 - $65 per day to cover lodging, meals and transportation in country. Typical projects include: building of latrines, reconstruction and repairing homes, assistance in children's summer camps, as well as assisting local health clinics in the provision of medical care in marginalized communities. These projects are then matched based on the skills, interests, availability, and possibility of fundraising of volunteer groups.

Current priority projects:
- Construction of social housing, schools and community centers around the country
- Finishing the construction of a school in the rural area of Hato Mayor
- Support to a primary health clinic in the outskirts of Santo Domingo
- Medical missions in the South West province and North of the D.R

Highlights: This ongoing relationship with local communities, allows the contributions of short-term groups, internships and volunteers to make a greater, long-lasting impact on the local communities CSA supports.

Qualifications: Programs are geared towards volunteers from church groups, universities, campus ministries and other institutions who have the desire to serve and experience a different culture and way of life in local communities in the Dominican Republic.

Cost in US$: 60 per day

Note: Groups are responsible for flight arrangements and the cost of excursions. Price per volunteer may vary depending on the local exchange rate.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Volunteer groups of a minimum of 7 participants typically represent universities, churches or different organizations. These are individuals with a genuine desire to serve and be challenged by a cross-cultural experience of service.

This Program is open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Dominican Republic in Groups

Typically Participants Work in Groups of at least 7

Application Process Involves:

• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Community Service Alliance's Mission Statement: Community Service alliance provides individuals and groups with dynamic, field-based spanish immersion programs and volunteer service experiences in the Dominican Republic. We aim to link students, church groups, universities and individuals to life changing experiences of service and language learning.

Year Founded: 2004