This structure operates both as a shelter for girls at risk and also as a day school for boys and girls, and is part of the 11 centers of the "Muchachos y Muchachas con Don Bosco" network.
The Korean volunteer Julia Ann has been doing an admirable and laudable job in renovating the workshops and the artistic and craft projects of the "Doña Chucha" school. Her work has developed in several important phases: in the first, the young Korean focused on the transformation of the computer room, which became a space where art is also now taught; then she worked on the renewal of the handiworks classroom for girls; and currently she is working on promoting an "Educational and practical Manual of art and artistic education from recycled materials", which shall then also be distributed in other Salesian centers.
Of the initiatives being brought forward, over the last two years, by Julia Ann on behalf of the KOICA, a total of 85 girls living at the facility have benefited as have 39 girls and boys who attend the school, the latter having grown up in artistic skills and formation in the past few months.
The ceremony for the inauguration of the new classrooms, held at the end of this past month, saw the participation, besides Julia Ann, of Ki Jeong Song, Director and representative of KOICA in the country; Fr Enrique Castillo, SDB, Delegate for Volunteering and Vice-President of the "Fundación Salesiana Don Bosco", body responsible for liaison and the accompaniment of the whole process; the Director of the center "Doña Chucha", Dr Escolástica De León; and a group of the center's girls – children and teens -, alongside teachers and other invited guests.
After the unveiling of the commemorative plaques and the opening of the classrooms, the girls of the center expressed gratitude and joy through a song and a moving speech.
The "Doña Chucha" center serves girls and adolescents in a situation of vulnerability, and is carried forward by the Parish Missionaries of Mary Help of Christians, a religious institution working with minors and poor families, inspired by the Salesian charism.
https://www.infoans.org/en/sections/news/item/6780-dominican-republic-inauguration-of-project-dreams-and-hopes-for-children?tmpl=component&print=1#sigProIddaafe9ed5f
