A group of seven Bellefonte students recently completed an eight day service trip to the Dominican Republic. The trip was hosted by Education First which offers a variety of educational offerings for destinations around the world. Bellefonte Area High School agriculture teacher, Myken Poorman, led the tour. Bellefonte Area School District instructional technology specialist, Arlin Roth, also chaperoned the trip.
The theme for the trip was Empowering Children in Cabarete. Students learned how the Mariposa Foundation educates and empowers girls from local communities. Students joined in a variety of activities with the Mariposa students including, language, reading, math, art, first aid, and games. A local guide provided valuable information regarding the people and culture of the Cabarete area. In addition to visiting some of the tourist attractions on the coast, students were provided with a tour of a local village where many of the girls who attend Mariposa live.
The overall trip was an incredible experience for all. The Mariposa Foundation is something everyone should experience. The impact they had on us was far more than we had on them.
Written by Arlin Roth.