Our service in recent seasons has been focused in the San Luis batey in the La Implanda neighborhood about 20 minutes from our Sabana Perdida home base. Bateys are enclaves that border sugar plantations where Haitian workers who harvest the cane live with their families. Living conditions are squalid for public resources either do not exist, which is usually the case, only barely provided. With the decline of a competitive sugar industry, centralization of production, and the closing of factories, the economies of towns that were once centers of sugar production have collapsed, driving batey communities into even deeper poverty, if that is possible.

Construction in the DR is mostly cinder block and mortar. You will learn how to place blocks evenly, with just the right amount of concrete mortar, to build a sound structure. We mix and use smooth cement for wall surfaces and rougher, rockier concrete for foundation work and for placing between the blocks. There are many forms and versions of concrete, depending on the task at hand.  Maestros will show you how and where to place the rebar that fortifies the block construction.

This summer’s service goal is to accomplish the final phase of a multi-summer effort--the construction of a community center and supporting facilities for San Luis. San Luis residents have been involved with us every step of the way in the work oversight of this project so vital to the community. There will be one or two other, smaller construction projects as well, which could include building or re-building a home for a family.

You can count on doing another project that VISIONS participants have been doing annually in the DR for nearly two decades: organizing and supervising a day camp, or campamento, for local children. VISIONS’ campamento has become so popular that, in order to accommodate every youth who wants to participate, we must limit kids’ participation to two or three assigned days per week. With your peers and staff leaders, and with input over multiple summers from past participants and staff, you'll create lesson plans and activities in arts and crafts, basic English instruction, and sports. If you like, you're welcome to bring school or craft supplies, which can be used at campamento or donated directly to the school.

We have a lot to accomplish!