Global Kids March 2009
Summary of GK/GP 2009 Trip to the Dominican Republic
In April 2009, Global Kids, Inc. contracted GP to provide a transformational international experience for 8 of their students from 2 high schools in Queens and Harlem, NY (Long Island City High School in Astoria, Queens and the Edward Reynolds West Side High School in Manhattan).
Students were selected after going through an application and interview process, and upon acceptance in the Spring Break Program, students participated in training sessions in preparation for the trip.
The students also did a workshop on gender differences in the U.S. versus the Dominican Republic and then implemented a town forum where local community members were invited to discuss and debate issues of sexism and gender in Batey 8 as compared to New York City’s neighborhoods.
Throughout the week, students collected information and conducted interviews with community members in order to create a portfolio of ethnographic research and photojournalism illustrating the socio-cultural realities of the Batey community.
The group was also able to participate in a traditional Haitian Music and Dance Performance called “Gaga.”
Students also had the chance to listen to and ask questions to the Mayor of Batey 8 who spoke about the History of the Batey and the racism and discrimination that Haitian-Dominicans face in the country during everyday life.
Upon their return to the U.S., students continued to share their knowledge with their peers through Global Kids’ Power of Citizenry Leadership Program.
2 of the program participants also participated with Global Potential as we hosted a US State Department Delegation of Haitian and Dominican Leaders, and 1 participant, Cristian Ruiz, returned with GP to Batey 8 for the summer of 2009.
