Library ProjectDOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Each construction project that has been done by the Dominican Starfish Foundation in the Dominican Republic has been accomplished under the direction of a wonderful man, Jose Luis Jaquez and his amazing wife Amarilis Urena. If it weren’t for them, we would not have a foundation in the Dominican. Neither of them accept financial assistance for their thousands of hours of service.

At Jose’s request we went to the country side where he grew up to hear about a proposed library project. We felt that this was the least we could do out of respect for Jose Luis.

He is pictured here with his Aunt in the area and with Amarilis, his wife.

Jose Luis Jaquez--Our amazing project manager

On Sunday, October 20, 2013, Louise, Sandra, Amarilis and Jose Luis and Fernando went to El Estrecho,

Dominican Republic for a presentation of a proposed library.

We were so impressedwith what we found.

This is the group of us who met togetherin a formal meeting.

Each person was giventhe opportunity tointroduce themselvesand explain their objectives or in our caseto ask questions.

We were moved bytheir preparation, theirvision, their drive and their willingness to helpthemselves.

Luis Antonio Jaquez Cruz--a man with a huge vision

This man was a teacher in the communityfor over 35 years. He is an uncle to Jose Luis. It was always his dream and goal to have a library for the community. He passed away this last spring at the age of 58. He was a master teacher.

The organization wishes to build a

library in his name to honor him as an

educator, a visionary and a true

proponent of freedom through education.

Later, his wife, proudly showed us his certificates on the living-room wall.

What they are asking of us is to help them raise the money for the building.

Their estimate on materials for the building is approximately $16000. (We would aim for more)

They have been promised books from other sources once they have a building.

We will also assist in collecting books and computer equipment.

Dominican Starfish Foundation

This time we met with additional people including the mayor of El Estrecho. Color My World will also be helping raise funds for the library.

We returned to discuss the project with Angela Hughes, director of Color my World from New Hampshire

Funds for the library project were raised February 1st to May 31st , 2014. It was a joint effort with Dominican Starfish Foundation and Color My World. We had a ground-breaking ceremony on June 19,

2014. Pictured below is Angela Hughes, Deirector of Color My World, Josephina, wife of the late Luis Antonio Jaquez for whom the library

will be named and Louise ZoBell, Executive Director, Dominican Starfish Foundation

Thank you to the many

people who have donated to make this

dream possible.

Working with the communities and government slowed the start process but construction began in February 2015.

April 2015Work Progresses