In the Dominican Republic, students worked with local community members to build concrete floors for Haitian migrant workers who live in the Bateyes. A lot of these workers live in tin houses that have dirt floors, so this was a way that our community could give back to the local community. Students learned about the greater history of the DR and its connection to Haiti through the island of Hispaniola.
In New Orleans, students learned about the cultural history of slavery in the area, which was home to many freed black people. They learned about the continued impacts of Hurricane Katrina and how the city is preparing for the next natural disaster. They completed community service with Common Ground, where they built dry ponds and planted cypress trees, which will help rebuild lost wetlands and build a more resilient city.
And, in Puerto Rico, students learned about the impacts of hurricanes (like Hurricane Ida). They served the local community by helping to rebuild homes, creating metal structures for the outside of homes, and also rebuilding roofs.