Dominican High School Students Set Off on Mountain Trek to Pico Duarte

Santo Domingo, March 13, 2013

The Dominican Republic Environmental Film Festival (DREFF), an initiative of Global Foundation for Democracy and Development (GFDD)and Fundación Global Democracia y Desarrollo (FUNGLODE), in collaboration with Fundacion Siempre Mas and Children International will be taking Dominican high school students on the 5th Educational Expedition to Pico Duarte this coming March 14-17.

The Educational Expedition project is the outcome of the first edition of DREFF, celebrated in September 2011, and the resulting national and international network that emerged. The overall objective of the project is to provide participating students with the unique chance to develop an emotional connection with nature, whereas its mission is to interact with leaders in the environmental community and to make a difference.

From the year of the Educational Expedition's inception, it has taken place annually thanks to the Dominican Republic Environmental Film Festival (DREFF), which donates equipment for realization of each expedition with the support of its partners, including the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources of the Dominican Republic, Fundacion Quiereme como Soy, Swanson Family Foundation, Fundación Futuro Posible and other private enterprises.

In 2013, the 5th Educational Expedition will provide 50 high school students from the communities of La Caleta and Tanquecitos with the opportunity to trek the highest mountain range in the Antilles. Under the efficient guidance of staff and volunteers from GFDD/FUNGLODE and Fundación Siempre Mas, which is headed by the Dominican professional mountaineer and seasoned Everest trekker, Karim Mella, the students will be learning more about their natural heritage and exploring their connection to the environment.

During the four-day expedition tour, students will receive lectures on the mountains' geography, flora and fauna, national parks, climate, biodiversity, environment protection and conservation. The students will also learn about the importance of personal strength, teamwork, comradeship, discipline and group awareness -- skills that will help them to achieve their present and future goals. DREFF hopes the trip will provide students with a positive enduring experience, and help them gain an appreciation of their shared natural heritage and the importance of protecting it for future generations.

About Fundación Siempre Mas
A private, nonprofit organization that aims to contribute to cultural and ecological development of young Dominican students ecological through educational projects to Pico Duarte and other national parks. By doing so, Fundación Siempre Mas is promoting rich Dominican heritage on the national and international levels. The mission of the Foundation is to advocate the importance of environmental conservation of Dominican national parks through lectures and educational trips; to educate and raise awareness amongst students about nature and its protection; and to organize mountain expeditions in the Dominican Republic internationally, so as to spread a word about them across the globe.

About Children International
For over 75 years, Children International has been providing critical assistance to children and families struggling in terrible poverty in Latin American and African countries. Through its one-to-one child sponsorship program, the organization reduces the burden of poverty on impoverished children, invests in their potential and provides them with opportunities to grow up healthy, educated and prepared to succeed and contribute to society.

Related Links:
http://www.children.org/ 
http://www.facebook.com/FundacionSiempreMas