Beyond Borders: Project HERO

Vital Stats

Jennifer M

Milton, MA

  • people helped200
  • People Doing It 12

The Problem

The Dominican Republic is a precious but struggling nation that has been ravaged by substance abuse and prejudice. According to UNICEF, Only 2.8% of students reach more than 75% of the academic standards. The members of Beyond Borders refuse to ignore their needs and have chosen instead to take action. A coalition of students at Berklee College of Music, Beyond Borders seeks to increase awareness about the current problems of this world. We also seek to use music to aid communities in need through the power of music. We believe that the humanitarian, musical, artistic and educational goals of our program are vital components to the healing of our globe and therefore submit to you this letter requesting your support for Beyond Borders: Project HERO. Students participating in music have shown the lowest rate of substance use, according to the TX Drug Commission, and as Ted Turner notes “Music has a great power for …[helping] us experience our common humanity.” Such bridges are desperately needed in the prejudice stricken society of Dominican Republic. Music also greatly aids cognitive development. Auburn University reported a 46% increase in children’s Spatial IQ, and The College exam board found secondary students in music increased their SAT scores by a 50 points average. Project HERO strives to improve child development by establishing programs that encourage self esteem, emotional outlet, self discipline, and creativity. In the process Beyond Borders will raise awareness about the current issues in society and inspire others to make a difference and stand up for change.

Plan of Action

Project Hero will be based in Hogar la Esperanza de Un Nino (Hope of a Child) orphanage in Monte Cristi, Dominican Republic from May 9, 2010 through May 16, 2010. Berklee students will be collaborating with Orphanage Outreach and a local music center to provide the orphanage and local children with a variety of musical experiences. Classes will be taught in the orphanage from Monday through Friday (see Daily Schedule and Course Descriptions), culminating with a musical presentation of what the students have learned. Berklee students will also be working with the local music center throughout the week to further impact the community of Monte Cristi. While in Monte Christi, Berklee students will lead training sessions for the long-term Orphanage Outreach volunteers and local music teachers. By the end of the week, a music program will be established at the community music center and teachers will be equipped with materials and a simple curriculum to continue both a choir, and a drum circle. This program will be open to children from the orphanage and the entire community. The music program is projected to consist of weekly, one-hour sessions for each group. Berklee Students will maintain contact with program directors via Internet and Skype. After three months a recording will be sent to the Berklee students as a means of evaluating the effectiveness of the curriculum. In August 2010, Jennifer Manzanillo will return to the Dominican Republic to reassess and further equip the program as needed. In addition to traveling to the Dominican Republic, a fundraiser is being organized on the Berklee Campus to raise money, donations, and awareness in the Berklee and greater Boston communities. This fundraiser will feature a salsa team, local bands, dance teams and DJs. An informational presentation will also be presented regarding the struggles that orphans of the Dominican Republic are currently facing, and the poverty, corruption, history and culture in the country.
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