ODU Students Volunteer at Project in the Dominican Republic

This past March, students and staff from Old Dominion University (ODU) in Norfolk, Virginia spent a week volunteering at the National School for the Blind in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.  There they worked with many students sponsored by Children, Incorporated.  Special thanks go to the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind in  St. Augustine, which sent a representative to Norfolk to help the ODU students understand how to work with blind children. 

International Education Programs of Jacksonville University in Jacksonville, Florida facilitated the ODU trip. This year, IEP also sent students on spring break trips to Guayaquil, Ecuador to work at projects where CI supports children.  In the summer, IEP sends student volunteers to CI-affiliated projects in the Philippines. 

You don’t have to be a college student to volunteer.  IEP welcomes participants of all ages.  Please visit IEP's website for more information.

The ODU students shared with us many photos of their work and of the wonderful children of the Dominican Republic:

 

Comments

[Lauren Willhoite]

What a wonderful program. Even though it was only a week, I bet most of the participants returned with a new perspective on things most of us take for granted.

[Jay Clarke]

Dear Ms. Willhoite,
I have been involved with Jacksonville University's study abroad and volunteer abroad programs for many years. We cater to students from other universities as well, e.g., ODU. By-in-large, the kids who volunteer for (and pay for!) such activities in underdeveloped countries are a special lot--more interesting and interested than are most of their peers. And yes, you are correct. Most students return having been changed profoundly.
Jay