English Camp Volunteer for Haitian Students in the Dominican Republic

Summer English Immersion Camp – Project Esperanza

Project Esperanza is a grassroots nonprofit serving Haitian immigrant and Dominican-Haitian children and families living in marginalized communities in the Dominican Republic. Through education, relationship-building, and community-led initiatives, we work to expand access to opportunity for youth who often face systemic barriers to schooling and social mobility. Our summer program, known as Change My Stars, is one of the most impactful and joy-filled parts of the year - a time when students deepen their learning and English skills, build confidence, and experience consistent encouragement in a safe, vibrant environment.

Each summer, this six-week camp runs with the help of our volunteers in Project Esperanza's community schools to keep our students engaged during the school break. This year, camp will run from June 22 to July 31st - Monday through Friday, from 9:00am–12:00pm.

Volunteers are welcome to join for as little as a few days or stay for the full six weeks. We do, however, recommend joining us for at least one week (5 days of camp in total) for better consistency for both the students and volunteers.

We welcome both English and Spanish speakers to volunteer. Because camp is an English immersion program, volunteers should have solid English skills and feel comfortable speaking and teaching in English. Spanish is helpful for relationship-building and occasional support, but it is not required.

The Camp Experience

Campers, ages 5–15, are grouped by age and English level. Each morning is filled with interactive stations including:

• Arts & crafts
• Songs and music
• Active games and sports
• Storytelling and literacy
• Chalkboard lessons
• Snack break and community time

All activities are conducted primarily in English (with minimal support when needed), creating a full immersion environment. The growth we see in students over just a few weeks is remarkable - not only in language acquisition, but in confidence and connection.

Afternoon Flexibility

Because camp runs only in the mornings, volunteers have open afternoons and evenings. Some choose to rest, explore the surrounding area, or enjoy the beaches and culture nearby. Others take advantage of the opportunity to further engage in the community.

Volunteers are encouraged to bring their own passions and talents into the program. In the afternoons, you may choose to lead workshops or activities in our grassroots schools based on your interests - art, dance, sports, photography, health education, gardening, leadership, coding, music, theater, or any skill you’re excited to share. We believe volunteers thrive when they contribute authentically and collaboratively.

Living in Community

Volunteers have the option to stay in our on-site volunteer house, located near the school. The house offers simple, minimal living conditions and may mean going without some modern comforts. For those who choose this option, it provides a meaningful opportunity to live closely alongside the local community, build deeper relationships, and experience daily local life in a more immersive way. For those who prefer, alternative housing arrangements can be made independently, however, we highly recommend staying at the volunteer house for at least a few days during your stay. Please note that if we reach a certain limit of applicants, preference will be given to those who opt to stay in the on-site volunteer house.

Volunteering with Project Esperanza is not just about teaching English. It is about humility, cultural exchange, adaptability, and mutual growth. Whether you come for a few days or the full six weeks, you become part of a community committed to dignity, opportunity, and long-term impact.

Program Contribution & What’s Included

To support the sustainability of this program and ensure a meaningful experience for volunteers and students, we ask participants to contribute toward program costs.

Community Integration Experience (Volunteer House): $400 per week ($57 per day)

Includes:

• Airport pickup and drop-off in Puerto Plata
• Shared housing in our volunteer home
• Three meals per day
• Transportation to program activities
• Volunteer orientation and on-site coordination/translation support
• Basic program materials

This option offers a deeper cultural immersion and connection with the local community.

Please note: Recreational transportation and airport transfers outside of Puerto Plata are not included.

Independent Lodging Option

Volunteers arranging their own housing contribute a $15/day volunteer fee, which directly supports participating schools and local program coordination.

Additional details can be found on our website - https://esperanzameanshope.org/. For questions, reach out to Volunteer@EsperanzaMeansHope.org.