Our Programs
PReSchool Education
In addition to basic pre-school subjects such as pre-math and pre-reading, the 62 students learn through play. They engage in art, music, dance, and physical activity geared toward motor skill development, mindfulness and self-regulation. We prioritize and model values like love, kindness, respect, and inclusivity. Biblical stories and parables are used as backgrounds to create an environment where the students feel loved and safe.
We make parent support a priority, communicating regularly about our curriculum, activities, and the educational value they provide. Click here to read about our educational philosophy and pedagogy.
Nutrition Program
Many children in our community suffer from under-nourishment and anemia. Low wages, single parent households, lack of nutrition education are among the factors affecting the families’ ability to provide their children with a nutrient and calorie rich diet. The lack of a healthy, balanced diet not only negatively affects a child’s health, but also their learning potential. Poor nutrition in childhood can also lead to long term, chronic health problems in adulthood.
Preschoolers receive breakfast, and full day students also get lunch. We are developing initiatives to fund more regular healthy snack offerings for our community programs.
Click here to learn more about our nutrition program and how you can help nourish kids!
Teacher Training
We believe that teachers are the heart of a classroom - igniting a passion for continuous learning and development in teachers creates a great enthusiasm that spills over to their students!
Education in the Dominican Republic consistently ranks among the worst in Latin America- scores are low in all areas of study. Despite massive investment in the educational system, schools are still struggling to implement classes in an impactful, lasting way. Due to poor and outdated training, many school teachers are unprepared to manage the significant teaching challenges that arise in under-resourced and overcrowded schools. Professional development is imperative to improve the quality of education in schools across the board.
It is important to us to develop our own teachers, and to share our resources with the greater community. FLE’s professional development is open to all teachers and education students. Workshops and study circles are offered throughout the school year, taught by professionals from a wide range of backgrounds who are interested in improving education in the D.R.
Community Programming
Quality extra-curricular programs, which include structured after-school and summer learning programs, are critical support systems for parents. After-school programs provide their children a number of benefits, including a safe environment, academically enriching activities, mentors who care about them, and opportunities for physical activity.
The after-school program provides homework help, educational enrichment, and more for children in first through fifth grade. The students also participate in life skill building activities, such as a financial literacy program, which teaches personal responsibility, work ethic, goal setting, and investing.
The center is open for Tae Kwon Do classes, art workshops, free play and Fun Saturdays.
FLE offers an ongoing Chicas Poderosas program to empower and inspire girls ages 11-16 to cultivate self-confidence and reach their fullest potential, personally and professionally. One of the goals of Chicas Poderosas is for participants to know who they are, and whose they are. The young ladies come from different neighborhoods, and are offered exposure to career opportunities, activities geared toward fostering healthy self-esteem and goal-setting for their futures. They are also invited to celebrate milestones together, namely to participate in a quinceanera when they turn 15! Learn more about Chicas Poderosas here.
Service Learning groups
We believe that inter-organizational collaboration is key to community building. Service learning plays an important part in this, as well as the development of the individual. It enriches student learning, teaches civic responsibility, strengthens and enhances the visited community.
For visiting groups, forming and nourishing relationships during Service Learning forges bonds that connect and impact everyone involved. Personal and social development increase; cultural awareness and future levels of engagement in the individual’s home community are often raised due to service trip experience.
We work together with our Service Learning teams to identify the group’s unique gifts and talents, and then create mutually beneficial experiences. Teams learn and experience the issues that affect our community, enhance our programming, and form relationships that, hopefully, will continue to impact everyone for their whole lives.
We welcome teams with all kinds of skills, talents and abilities, from all over. Contact us to discuss a Service Learning experience for your group - we look forward to welcoming you! Click here to learn about service learning opportunities.
