BEC students make a difference in the Dominican Republic

BEC students make a difference in the Dominican Republic

By Jeremy Fraser
March 27, 2015

An experience while in the Dominican Republic has made Dustin Baker more grateful for what he has in Canada and Cape Breton.

"It was an eye-opening experience because the people down there have close to nothing and the kids couldn't be happier."

Baker was among five students from Breton Education Centre who travelled to Puerto Plata during their March break as part of the S-Trip, a student trip designed specifically for high school students, which offers volunteer experience.

It was more than just fun in the sun as the students volunteered to help paint a house and stack concrete blocks in order to build shelter for residents in the country.

The students worked at different stations over four hours, painting and building, picking up garbage and playing with the children.

Baker said he is happy he could volunteer his time.

"It makes me feel really good knowing that we helped build a house for someone who is going to have running water and a family who will live there for a long time."

He feels grateful for everything he has.

"The basic things we have like electricity and running water, people don't have there."

The experience is something Baker won't forget, he said.

"The most memorable aspect of the trip was meeting the little kids and playing basketball with them."

The S-Trip's first volunteer project in 2010 was orchestrated by students who really wanted to give back to the community. The one idea changed the program and now volunteering is offered on every trip.

Like Baker, Johnny White, Jeslyn Smith, Kelsey Hogan and Kalee Kavanaugh also volunteered their time during the trip.

Hogan said the experience made her realize how thankful she should be.

"Volunteering was most definitely the highlight of the trip. It was a real eye-opening experience.

"What made this experience memorable for me was the smiles on all the children's faces. They were so happy to see us, and that was an incredible feeling."

Being able to help the residents in the country was heartwarming, Hogan said.

"It just makes your heart happy knowing that you're giving back to people who need it more than you do."

Along with volunteering, the students also participated in activities such as horse back riding along the beach and swimming.

The experience of volunteering has made a lasting impression on Hogan.

"I would love to go back and do it all over again."