“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”
- Dr. Seuss
Author
Reading and Library Programs
Reading is the cornerstone of education, and low literacy rates are a reflection of poorly performing education systems. The vast majority of Dominican communities do not have access to the books or libraries necessary to create a culture of reading. Our reading and library programs offer literacy programs within public schools and community centers, such as ours, which engage children and adolescents in active reading and creative writing groups, encouraging them not only to read but also to build positive relationships with their peers and community.
How we do it:
Community Libraries
Reading materials are fundamental to educational achievement. They facilitate the development of literacy, comprehension and critical-thinking skills. Access to quality reading materials in the Dominican Republic is scarce in most communities. Our community library provides students and families access to the latest books and magazines. We promote literature while fostering a culture of reading and library borrowing systems.
Reading Intervention
The Reading Support program focuses on the academic development of students reading below grade level. Teachers facilitate small-group instruction focusing on early literacy intervention, teaching younger students to read and emphasizing comprehension and critical-thinking skills for older students. Staff participate in professional development opportunities six times a semester where they are trained on innovative instructional methodologies, classroom management skills and learning evaluations.
Lit Club
DREAM’s Lit Club began in 2016 as an extension of our school and community library programs and in collaboration with the LitWorld Foundation. LitClub focuses on the seven strengths of youth development: belonging, friendship, kindness, curiosity, confidence, courage and hope. Through this curriculum, LitClub creates a safe place where teenagers grow both academically and personally.
Mi Mundo
Literacy skills are enhanced through the development of strong writing skills. Mi Mundo is a free magazine published by DREAM students biannually. Our young journalists gain hands-on journalistic writing experience. Students not only enrich their writing skills, but also develop technological skills, critical thinking and interpersonal communication skills by conducting interviews. Students report on local stories rooted in Dominican culture, such as community members, sports and music.
Our Impact
+ Literacy
- 9600+ books circulating in community libraries
- Librarians led 196 reading promotion activities between January and March of 2020. 12,600+ children have received books in book fairs since 2014.
- In 2019/2020 book fairs alone, over 15,024 books were distributed.
- After participating in MVOL, 96% of students said they had read a book in the past two days, and 83% of students said they read with a family member.
+ Reading Intervention
- 494 participants finished the program in 2019.
- Average score increase of 48% in critical thinking, 30% in attitude towards learning and 26% in socioemotional skills.
- 99% attendance among participants.
- 84% of beginning readers increased by at least one reading level.
- 93% of intermediate readers increased by at least one reading level.
+ Lit Club
- 146 participants in five clubs.
- 70% of the participants were able to remain active through online activities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
+ Mi Mundo Magazine
- 17 student journalists.
- Six student-authored books published to date (two DREAM books purchased by Scholastic).
- Seven issues of Mi Mundo magazine.
What our students are saying:
“We are an important part of the community…We can become role models for others. I share all my learning with my friends and family.”
- Larimar Polanco
“Thanks to DREAM’s programs, I have found friendship, courage, patience, hope and curiosity.”
-Lisbeth Dippiron Zaiz
