GFDD's New Series of Eco-Courses Aid Sustainable Agricultural Development in the Dominican Republic

GFDD's New Series of Eco-Courses Aid Sustainable Agricultural Development in the Dominican Republic

Santo Domingo, January 24, 2014

On Tuesday January 28th, GFDD’s EcoHuertos program will be launching its new series of workshops with a training session on basic cultivation practices. This will be held at the Fray Ramon Pane School in Santo Domingo. A total of three new courses have been added to the program that will help build capacity and train students, teachers and parents on topics such as basic garden maintenance, organic composting and pollinators and pests. The training sessions will serve to complement the induction, garden building and seed conservation workshops that are already in place and provide second stage gardens with the necessary tools for the development of self-sustaining systems.

The training courses have been organized in collaboration with the National Botanical Garden, and will be conducted by Agricultural Engineers, Professor Wilkin Encarnacion and Jose Maria Gundin, and Entomologist Ruth Bastardo, alongside botanist Cristiana Cruz Minier, GFDD's School and Community Garden Program Coordinator.

The courses and workshops will be designed for implementation in second stage gardens across the country through April, with several already scheduled to take place on February 4, 5, 12 and 14 at the Union Panamericana School and FUNDSAZURZA, respectively.

The EcoHuertos Program will include:

1- Basic Planting and Cultivation Workshop- the course will be taught by Agronomy Engineer Wilkin Encarnación. This course will cover the basic fundamentals to be taken into account for planting and harvesting crops in a way that is in keeping with environmental sustainability.

2- Organic fertilizer and vermicomposting - the session will identify and define exactly what organic fertilizer is, its various types, the raw material needed to make it, its advantages and the different types of compost collections that can be used to create fertilizer using low cost materials. The course, which will be taught by Agronomists Wilkin Encarnación and José María Gundín, will also highlight the most appropriate composting systems for each center.

3- Pollinators and Pests-This course will be a total immersion into the animal world that can be found if looked at closely enough within EcoHuertos gardens - either as cooperators in pollination, biological controls or as harmful organisms for our crops. Participants will learn which plants, wild or cultivated, are more attractive to pollinators and which are repellant to pests. The course will be conducted by Entomologist, Ruth Bastardo Landrau.

4- Seed Conservation Workshop- This course tutored by Biologist Cristiana Cruz Minier, will encompass techniques for obtaining seeds from harvested fruit and will teach participants how to clean, dry and efficiently store the seeds until the next planting cycle. Attendees will experience how to remove the seeds from the fruit and undertake the entire preparation process.

Through this new series of technical courses and workshops, the EcoHuertos program, which to date has provided the materials and instruction to create 24 organic fruit and vegetable gardens in 6 cities across the country, continues to expand areas of training, providing the knowledge base and skills necessary to create healthy and productive gardens. Teaching students and communities how to cultivate, conserve seeds and create their own fertilizer through vermicomposting helps to ensure the long term success and sustainability of these gardens to the benefit of society as a whole.

For more information about the program please visit www.eco-huertos.org or contact Cristiana Cruz Minier, EcoHuertos Program Coordinator at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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Other News

  • December Brings Additional Opportunities with New Partners

    GFDD’s Eco-Huertos program has teamed up with its newest partner, Ser Eco Foundation, to work towards creating a horticulture therapy center with the first sensory garden in the Dominican Republic. The garden will be located at the Dominican Hippotherapy Center, in Cuesta Hermosa II, Arroyo Hondo, Santo Domingo.

     

    The garden will be curated alongside Estela Rodríguez, founder of Ser Eco Foundation and Laura Bencosme, board member at the same. With support and expertise from Eco-Huertos, the two organizations expect to create several garden settings to fulfill the endlessly growing interests of new generations.

     

    Both Ser Eco Foundation and Eco-Huertos understand the importance of being inclusive and have identified the impending need that the Dominican Republic has for centers like this one. As such, the gardens will be designed to bring community members together and offer a sense of tranquility to all who visit.

     

    Construction has already begun on the community garden, emphasizing sustainability and prioritizing the three R’s: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle as our core foundation. Every structure, including planting bed frames, signs, fences, tables, and seats has been created with materials available at the location.

     

    With the synergy of ideas coming from the relationship between Ser Eco Foundation and GFDD’s Eco-Huertos Program, this new location shows great promise and will be full of opportunities to explore the crucial human need of feeling at home with the nature surrounding us. And perhaps more importantly, it will work to transform the minds of children and adults alike.

     

    About Eco-Huertos:

     

    The Eco-Huertos program seeks to support the creation of organic and sustainable vegetable gardens in schools and communities throughout the Dominican Republic, as well as support, through hands-on workshops, areas of natural sciences contained in the educational curriculum. The program also generates awareness on sustainable practices and the importance of a balanced diet, achieving a greater appreciation for and receptiveness toward the consumption of vegetables.

     

    About Global Foundation for Democracy and Development (GFDD):
    The Global Foundation for Democracy and Development (GFDD), sister organization of Funglode in the United States, is a non-partisan and non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of collaboration between organizations in the United States and the Dominican Republic in order to conduct research, enhance public debate, design public policy, propose strategies and provide training to facilitate change in crucial areas of the social, economic and democratic development of the Dominican Republic, the Caribbean and Latin America.

     

    Read More:

     

    www.eco-huertos.org

    www.globalfoundationdd.org

     

     

  • Eco-Huertos Adds a New Member

    Eco-Huertos’ efforts to partner with more schools and educational institutions around Santo Domingo are producing dividends. The program is proud to announce the beginning of Eco-Huertos’ collaboration with The Community for Learning, which will receive our expertise and constant support in the creation and maintenance of its school garden.

     

    Christopher Esquea, a Biologist and Science teacher at the institution, is full of desire to watch his garden prosper. With Christopher’s love for living organisms and the knowledge and care provided by Eco-Huertos, we can create a synergy capable of achieving great learning outcomes for all participants.

     

    The Community for Learning has plenty of available space and is willing to turn most of it into vegetable gardens. To be certain, there is a vast amount of work to do and many chances will arise for learning along the way! Another great perk about the school is that it has a fully functioning compost pile and a system of organic material vermicomposting under Esquea’s supervision.

     

    Eco-Huertos’ first visit to the school was extremely satisfying as it featured the involvement of schoolchildren from the very beginning of the project. They thoroughly enjoyed weeding the present garden beds and sowing seeds, and Eco-Huertos was similarly pleased to foster such a vital connection between humans and the earth as students and teachers alike turned the soil to aerate and prepare it for future plantings.

     

    About Eco-Huertos:

     

    The Eco-Huertos program seeks to support the creation of organic and sustainable vegetable gardens in schools and communities throughout the Dominican Republic, as well as support, through hands-on workshops, areas of natural sciences contained in the educational curriculum. The program also generates awareness on sustainable practices and the importance of a balanced diet, achieving a greater appreciation for and receptiveness toward the consumption of vegetables.

     

    About The Community for Learning:

     

    The Community for Learning is a bilingual elementary and secondary school which focuses on the individual needs of each student, taking into account academic, social and emotional needs, in order to ready them for the challenges of a world in constant change. It follows a Dominican as well as an international curriculum, and prepares its students to be members of a global community. Among other focuses, it advocates learning that develops the analytical and interpretive skills needed to understand the flood of information generated in the 21st century.

     

    Read More:

     

    www.eco-huertos.org

    http://www.tcfl.edu.do/

     

    www.globalfoundationdd.org

  • Aiming for Sustainability at Saint George School

    Continuing its efforts to develop sustainable gardens in educational centers around the Dominican Republic, Eco-Huertos has introduced new plant and vegetable varieties to the Saint George School rooftop garden in an effort to improve its ecology and brighten up the surroundings.

     

    Leading into winter, average temperatures have dropped in the Dominican Republic and made gardens everywhere more habitable spaces for plants to adapt and thrive. But that’s no reason to sit back and relax: instead Eco-Huertos and Saint George School planted a Common bee-brush (Aloysia gratissima) to attract pollinators and make for a more diverse ecosystem. Bees love to feed off this plant, hence its name!

     

    Additionally, a cultivar of hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis ‘Red Hot’) has been introduced to the garden to provide science teachers with usable class material when teaching plants’ reproductive cycles and the morphology of flowers. Resulting from its vibrant nature, the hibiscus provides a focal point for the garden visitors due to its beautiful pink, white and green variegated leaves and bright red flowers.

     

    Slowly but surely, the garden at Saint George School is transforming into a micro ecosystem, where beneficial insects find homes to lay their eggs and obtain food; a place where plants help one another combat pests and diseases; and a location where each visitor stays longer than initially intended.

     

    About Eco-Huertos:

     

    The Eco-Huertos program seeks to support the creation of organic and sustainable vegetable gardens in schools and communities throughout the Dominican Republic, as well as support, through hands-on workshops, areas of natural sciences contained in the educational curriculum. The program also generates awareness on sustainable practices and the importance of a balanced diet, achieving a greater appreciation for and receptiveness toward the consumption of vegetables.

     

    About Global Foundation for Democracy and Development (GFDD):
    The Global Foundation for Democracy and Development (GFDD), sister organization of Funglode in the United States, is a non-partisan and non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of collaboration between organizations in the United States and the Dominican Republic in order to conduct research, enhance public debate, design public policy, propose strategies and provide training to facilitate change in crucial areas of the social, economic and democratic development of the Dominican Republic, the Caribbean and Latin America.

     

    Read More:

     

    www.eco-huertos.org

    www.globalfoundationdd.org

     

     

  • Eco-Huertos Seeks to Expand Reach and Scope

    For GFDD’s Eco-Huertos program, November is already shaping up to be a great month. Word has spread about the program to private schools in Santo Domingo, and many appear enthusiastic about starting their own gardens through the expertise of Eco-Huertos in the beginning of 2018, after students return from their winter break.

     

    Eco-Huertos is happy to see that Saint George School has continued its efforts to make its garden flourish. On a recent visit, Cheryl Re, Social Studies instructor and designated garden curator, was instructed on how to pinch herbs such as rosemary, thyme and basil. Similar to pruning techniques discussed in the last visit, pinching is a way to direct herbs’ biological process towards increased yield. It consists in removing the apical meristem (top leaf growth) of shoots to encourage axillary branching, resulting in a fuller, healthier plant.

     

    In an effort to bring more scientific grounding to the garden and present to instructors and students basic biological concepts which form the foundations of plant lifecycles, soil pH tests were conducted by Hector Marin Jr., from Koor Caribe, to provide a deeper soil quality assessment than traditional methods can produce. Eco-Huertos is happy to have his support when technical difficulties or water management issues arise at Saint George School.

     

    Ultimately, keeping a garden healthy requires constant observation and ceaseless maintenance, but mostly, what keep gardens running is the love and dedication of those who look after them.

     

    About Eco-Huertos:

     

    The Eco-Huertos program seeks to support the creation of organic and sustainable vegetable gardens in schools and communities throughout the Dominican Republic, as well as support, through hands-on workshops, areas of natural sciences contained in the educational curriculum. The program also generates awareness on sustainable practices and the importance of a balanced diet, achieving a greater appreciation for and receptiveness toward the consumption of vegetables.

     

    About Global Foundation for Democracy and Development (GFDD):
    The Global Foundation for Democracy and Development (GFDD), sister organization of Funglode in the United States, is a non-partisan and non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of collaboration between organizations in the United States and the Dominican Republic in order to conduct research, enhance public debate, design public policy, propose strategies and provide training to facilitate change in crucial areas of the social, economic and democratic development of the Dominican Republic, the Caribbean and Latin America.

     

    Read More:

     

    www.eco-huertos.org

    www.globalfoundationdd.org

     

     

  • Using Gardens for Natural Science Education at Saint George School

    A few weeks having passed, the collaboration between Eco-Huertos and Saint George School is evolving beautifully and showing tangible results, as seen in a healthier and more diverse vegetable garden.

     

    Recognizing Eco-Huertos’ focus on tie-ins with practical education and curriculum-focused topics, the most recent site visit saw Cheryl Re, Social Studies Instructor and designated garden curator, receiving lessons on the implications of pruning tomato plants as a way of directing photosynthetic energy solely to fruit production, thereby improving the quality and size of each tomato produced.

     

    Though it is not often thought of as such, soil is a vital natural resource that must be preserved to yield desired results. Stressing the importance of care for natural resources, Re and Donald Gotz, Special Projects Director, were provide guidance on simple soil monitoring testing via the “Ribbon Method.” Using this method, soil is pressed between two fingers and checked for the presence of long ribbons, which indicate a high clay percentage in the soil; an impediment to the plants’ nutrient uptake.

     

    As a way to teach students about ecosystem dynamics and the synergies that can be reached when variety is emphasized, Eco-Huertos and Saint George School have introduced companion plantings to the school’s rooftop garden. The new plants will benefit the desired crops by keeping pests away and attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

     

    All of the knowledge shared between Eco-Huertos and the administrators at Saint George School is being spread by Re and Gotz to the children and adults that take part into running the school’s beautiful garden. Eco-Huertos is overjoyed at the instructors’ enthusiasm to achieve a prosperous garden for future generations of students to maintain.

     

    About Eco-Huertos:

     

    The Eco-Huertos program seeks to support the creation of organic and sustainable vegetable gardens in schools and communities throughout the Dominican Republic, as well as support, through hands-on workshops, areas of natural sciences contained in the educational curriculum. The program also generates awareness on sustainable practices and the importance of a balanced diet, achieving a greater appreciation for and receptiveness toward the consumption of vegetables.

     

    About Global Foundation for Democracy and Development (GFDD):
    The Global Foundation for Democracy and Development (GFDD), sister organization of Funglode in the United States, is a non-partisan and non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of collaboration between organizations in the United States and the Dominican Republic in order to conduct research, enhance public debate, design public policy, propose strategies and provide training to facilitate change in crucial areas of the social, economic and democratic development of the Dominican Republic, the Caribbean and Latin America.

     

    Read More:

     

    www.eco-huertos.org

    www.globalfoundationdd.org

     

     

  • Using Gardens for Natural Science Education at Saint George School

    A few weeks having passed, the collaboration between Eco-Huertos and Saint George School is evolving beautifully and showing tangible results, as seen in a healthier and more diverse vegetable garden.

     

    Recognizing Eco-Huertos’ focus on tie-ins with practical education and curriculum-focused topics, the most recent site visit saw Cheryl Re, Social Studies Instructor and designated garden curator, receiving lessons on the implications of pruning tomato plants as a way of directing photosynthetic energy solely to fruit production, thereby improving the quality and size of each tomato produced.

     

    Though it is not often thought of as such, soil is a vital natural resource that must be preserved to yield desired results. Stressing the importance of care for natural resources, Re and Donald Gotz, Special Projects Director, were provide guidance on simple soil monitoring testing via the “Ribbon Method.” Using this method, soil is pressed between two fingers and checked for the presence of long ribbons, which indicate a high clay percentage in the soil; an impediment to the plants’ nutrient uptake.

     

    As a way to teach students about ecosystem dynamics and the synergies that can be reached when variety is emphasized, Eco-Huertos and Saint George School have introduced companion plantings to the school’s rooftop garden. The new plants will benefit the desired crops by keeping pests away and attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

     

    All of the knowledge shared between Eco-Huertos and the administrators at Saint George School is being spread by Re and Gotz to the children and adults that take part into running the school’s beautiful garden. Eco-Huertos is overjoyed at the instructors’ enthusiasm to achieve a prosperous garden for future generations of students to maintain.

     

    About Eco-Huertos:

     

    The Eco-Huertos program seeks to support the creation of organic and sustainable vegetable gardens in schools and communities throughout the Dominican Republic, as well as support, through hands-on workshops, areas of natural sciences contained in the educational curriculum. The program also generates awareness on sustainable practices and the importance of a balanced diet, achieving a greater appreciation for and receptiveness toward the consumption of vegetables.

     

    About Global Foundation for Democracy and Development (GFDD):
    The Global Foundation for Democracy and Development (GFDD), sister organization of Funglode in the United States, is a non-partisan and non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of collaboration between organizations in the United States and the Dominican Republic in order to conduct research, enhance public debate, design public policy, propose strategies and provide training to facilitate change in crucial areas of the social, economic and democratic development of the Dominican Republic, the Caribbean and Latin America.

     

    Read More:

     

    www.eco-huertos.org

    www.globalfoundationdd.org

     

     

  • Using Gardens for Natural Science Education at Saint George School

    A few weeks having passed, the collaboration between Eco-Huertos and Saint George School is evolving beautifully and showing tangible results, as seen in a healthier and more diverse vegetable garden.

     

    Recognizing Eco-Huertos’ focus on tie-ins with practical education and curriculum-focused topics, the most recent site visit saw Cheryl Re, Social Studies Instructor and designated garden curator, receiving lessons on the implications of pruning tomato plants as a way of directing photosynthetic energy solely to fruit production, thereby improving the quality and size of each tomato produced.

     

    Though it is not often thought of as such, soil is a vital natural resource that must be preserved to yield desired results. Stressing the importance of care for natural resources, Re and Donald Gotz, Special Projects Director, were provide guidance on simple soil monitoring testing via the “Ribbon Method.” Using this method, soil is pressed between two fingers and checked for the presence of long ribbons, which indicate a high clay percentage in the soil; an impediment to the plants’ nutrient uptake.

     

    As a way to teach students about ecosystem dynamics and the synergies that can be reached when variety is emphasized, Eco-Huertos and Saint George School have introduced companion plantings to the school’s rooftop garden. The new plants will benefit the desired crops by keeping pests away and attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

     

    All of the knowledge shared between Eco-Huertos and the administrators at Saint George School is being spread by Re and Gotz to the children and adults that take part into running the school’s beautiful garden. Eco-Huertos is overjoyed at the instructors’ enthusiasm to achieve a prosperous garden for future generations of students to maintain.

     

    About Eco-Huertos:

     

    The Eco-Huertos program seeks to support the creation of organic and sustainable vegetable gardens in schools and communities throughout the Dominican Republic, as well as support, through hands-on workshops, areas of natural sciences contained in the educational curriculum. The program also generates awareness on sustainable practices and the importance of a balanced diet, achieving a greater appreciation for and receptiveness toward the consumption of vegetables.

     

    About Global Foundation for Democracy and Development (GFDD):
    The Global Foundation for Democracy and Development (GFDD), sister organization of Funglode in the United States, is a non-partisan and non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of collaboration between organizations in the United States and the Dominican Republic in order to conduct research, enhance public debate, design public policy, propose strategies and provide training to facilitate change in crucial areas of the social, economic and democratic development of the Dominican Republic, the Caribbean and Latin America.

     

    Read More:

     

    www.eco-huertos.org

    www.globalfoundationdd.org

     

     

  • Eco-Huertos Begins 2017 School Year Activities

    Beginning its activities for the 2017-2018 academic calendar, GFDD’s Eco-Huertos program initiated its collaboration with Saint George School to create one of the most advanced rooftop gardens out of the entire the Eco-Huertos program.

     

    The garden has approximately twenty six planting beds, vertical planting pots and an automated, double-line drip irrigation system that is able to access each planting space. In addition, an automated, Bluetooth-controlled misting system covers the planting perimeter and helps to mitigate the stresses of extreme heat on the plants. It also works marvels when germinating new seeds.

     

    This joint venture between Eco-Huertos and Saint George School has seen considerable participation from school staff members Donald Gotz, Special Projects Director, and Cheryl Re, Social Studies Instructor. Both have made available their time and efforts to support the development of this amazing project.

     

    As any other garden, it has faced many difficulties including pests, drought, heat stress, compacted soil, and abandonment. Nevertheless, through the invaluable efforts of Gotz and Re, and with the constant follow-up from Eco-Huertos, Saint George School can expect to have a garden with its own ecosystem; the main goal when creating any sustainable and ecofriendly space.

     

    About Eco-Huertos:

     

    The Eco-Huertos program seeks to support the creation of organic and sustainable vegetable gardens in schools and communities throughout the Dominican Republic, as well as support, through hands-on workshops, areas of natural sciences contained in the educational curriculum. The program also generates awareness on sustainable practices and the importance of a balanced diet, achieving a greater appreciation for and receptiveness toward the consumption of vegetables.

     

    About Saint George School:

     

    Saint George School is a British international school that is accredited by the Ministry of Education of the Dominican Republic, New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), Council of International Schools (CIS), and has been a member of the International Baccalaureate Organization (IB) since 1995. It provides a challenging and comprehensive multilingual values-based education within a disciplined and respectful learning environment, empowering all learners to reach their maximum academic and personal potential. Although the school’s students are mostly young Dominicans (66%), it is fortunate to receive students from all over the world (34%). Saint George School is located in Santo Domingo’s Piantini neighborhood.

     

    Read More:

     

    www.eco-huertos.org

    http://stgeorge.do/

    www.globalfoundationdd.org

  • EcoHuertos Trains Teachers in Colegio Adventista Los Girasoles to Insert the School Garden in the Academic Curriculum

    Santo Domingo, September 26, 2016

    The workshop "El huerto en el currículo escolar ", the first of its kind in the country which is aimed at teachers of academic institutions, intends to build with the teachers of the participating academic centers dynamic activities and projects to implement with their students, where the school garden is the field of management of cognitive development, attitudes and values. The workshop, an initiative of GFDD EcoHuertos program took place during the months of August and September, in concurrence with the beginning of the 2016-2017school year.

    The workshop was taught in several institutions across the island. In Santo Domingo, EcoHuertos coordinator Cristiana Minier visited 22 teachers of the Colegio Adventista Los Girasoles on Monday, August 8. On August 12 it was the turn of 15 teachers from Centro Educativo del Nivel Básico e Incial Paraguay, while on August 30, 17 teachers from Centro Educativo Profesor Juan Bosch attended the workshop.

    On the other hand in the Monte Plata province, the workshop "El huerto en el currículo escolar” was introduces to 10 teachers from the elementary schools Centro Educativo Francisco del Rosario Sánchez and Escuela Caonabo.

    The workshop was divided in three parts. To begin, there was a discussion on the construction of the garden concept: definition, benefits, purposes, types, vegetables, planting, care and maintenance of the garden. Then we proceeded to planning activities, dynamics and projects for the students, where the school garden can be the field of management of cognitive development, attitudes and values. To conclude for the day, activities proposed by teachers were defined, under Fundamental and Specific skills Curricular Design Dominican.

    All teachers were very grateful and said they looked forward to the creation of the school vegetable garden as well as the whole process of training courses and workshops where they will be provided with the appropriate knowledge to manage the organic garden.

    About EcoHuertos

    The program seeks to support the creation of organic and sustainable vegetable gardens in schools and communities throughout the Dominican Republic, as well as support, through hands-on workshops, the areas of natural sciences contained in the educational curriculum. The program also generates awareness of the importance of a balanced diet, achieving a greater appreciation for and receptiveness toward the consumption of vegetables.

    Related Links:  

    www.eco-huertos.org 

    www.globalfoundationdd.org

  • EcoHuertos Trains Teachers in Centro Educativo del Nivel Básico e Inicial Paraguay to Insert the School Garden in the Academic Curriculum

    Santo Domingo, September 26, 2016

    The workshop "El huerto en el currículo escolar ", the first of its kind in the country which is aimed at teachers of academic institutions, intends to build with the teachers of the participating academic centers dynamic activities and projects to implement with their students, where the school garden is the field of management of cognitive development, attitudes and values. The workshop, an initiative of GFDD EcoHuertos program took place during the months of August and September, in concurrence with the beginning of the 2016-2017school year.

    The workshop was taught in several institutions across the island. In Santo Domingo, EcoHuertos coordinator Cristiana Minier visited 22 teachers of the Colegio Adventista Los Girasoles on Monday, August 8. On August 12 it was the turn of 15 teachers from Centro Educativo del Nivel Básico e Incial Paraguay, while on August 30, 17 teachers from Centro Educativo Profesor Juan Bosch attended the workshop.

    On the other hand in the Monte Plata province, the workshop "El huerto en el currículo escolar” was introduces to 10 teachers from the elementary schools Centro Educativo Francisco del Rosario Sánchez and Escuela Caonabo.

    The workshop was divided in three parts. To begin, there was a discussion on the construction of the garden concept: definition, benefits, purposes, types, vegetables, planting, care and maintenance of the garden. Then we proceeded to planning activities, dynamics and projects for the students, where the school garden can be the field of management of cognitive development, attitudes and values. To conclude for the day, activities proposed by teachers were defined, under Fundamental and Specific skills Curricular Design Dominican.

    All teachers were very grateful and said they looked forward to the creation of the school vegetable garden as well as the whole process of training courses and workshops where they will be provided with the appropriate knowledge to manage the organic garden.

    About EcoHuertos

    The program seeks to support the creation of organic and sustainable vegetable gardens in schools and communities throughout the Dominican Republic, as well as support, through hands-on workshops, the areas of natural sciences contained in the educational curriculum. The program also generates awareness of the importance of a balanced diet, achieving a greater appreciation for and receptiveness toward the consumption of vegetables.

    Related Links:  

    www.eco-huertos.org 

    www.globalfoundationdd.org

  • EcoHuertos Trains Teachers in Centro Educativo Profesor Juan Bosch to Insert the School Garden in the Academic Curriculum

    Santo Domingo, September 26, 2016

    The workshop "El huerto en el currículo escolar ", the first of its kind in the country which is aimed at teachers of academic institutions, intends to build with the teachers of the participating academic centers dynamic activities and projects to implement with their students, where the school garden is the field of management of cognitive development, attitudes and values. The workshop, an initiative of GFDD EcoHuertos program took place during the months of August and September, in concurrence with the beginning of the 2016-2017school year.

    The workshop was taught in several institutions across the island. In Santo Domingo, EcoHuertos coordinator Cristiana Minier visited 22 teachers of the Colegio Adventista Los Girasoles on Monday, August 8. On August 12 it was the turn of 15 teachers from Centro Educativo del Nivel Básico e Incial Paraguay, while on August 30, 17 teachers from Centro Educativo Profesor Juan Bosch attended the workshop.

    On the other hand in the Monte Plata province, the workshop "El huerto en el currículo escolar” was introduces to 10 teachers from the elementary schools Centro Educativo Francisco del Rosario Sánchez and Escuela Caonabo.

    The workshop was divided in three parts. To begin, there was a discussion on the construction of the garden concept: definition, benefits, purposes, types, vegetables, planting, care and maintenance of the garden. Then we proceeded to planning activities, dynamics and projects for the students, where the school garden can be the field of management of cognitive development, attitudes and values. To conclude for the day, activities proposed by teachers were defined, under Fundamental and Specific skills Curricular Design Dominican.

    All teachers were very grateful and said they looked forward to the creation of the school vegetable garden as well as the whole process of training courses and workshops where they will be provided with the appropriate knowledge to manage the organic garden.

    About EcoHuertos

    The program seeks to support the creation of organic and sustainable vegetable gardens in schools and communities throughout the Dominican Republic, as well as support, through hands-on workshops, the areas of natural sciences contained in the educational curriculum. The program also generates awareness of the importance of a balanced diet, achieving a greater appreciation for and receptiveness toward the consumption of vegetables.

    Related Links:  

    www.eco-huertos.org 

    www.globalfoundationdd.org

  • Teachers of the Centro de Formación Técnico-Profesional René Descartes de Baní Learn How to Integrate the Garden and its Management into the School Curriculum

    Location: Centro de Formación Técnico-Profesional René Descartes

    Santo Domingo, August 8, 2016

    The workshop "El huerto en el currículo escolar ", the first of its kind in the country which is aimed at teachers of academic institutions, was presented on Wednesday, August 3 at the Centro de Formación Técnico-Profesional René Descartes in Baní, in the province of Peravia. An initiative of the program EcoHuertos of Global Foundation for Democracy and Development (GFDD), it aims to introduce into the school curriculum to activities, dynamics and projects for the students, where the school garden is the field of management of cognitive development, attitudes and values, says the coordinator, Christian Cruz.

    The training workshop, which was attended by 10 teachers, was divided into three parts. To begin, there was a discussion on the construction of the garden concept: definition, benefits, purposes, types, vegetables, planting, care and maintenance of the garden. Then we proceeded to planning activities, dynamics and projects for the students, where the school garden can be the field of management of cognitive development, attitudes and values. To conclude for the day, activities proposed by teachers were defined, under Fundamental and Specific skills Curricular Design Dominican.

    Teachers attending this workshop expressed that opening the school year with this lesson has allowed them to "broaden the vision of the garden as an important component of the school and now include it formally in their lesson plans."

    This workshop takes place in the framework of the work of EcoHuertos in creating sustainable and organic gardens in schools and communities in the Dominican Republic.

    About EcoHuertos The program seeks to support the creation of organic and sustainable vegetable gardens in schools and communities throughout the Dominican Republic, as well as support, through hands-on workshops, the areas of natural sciences contained in the educational curriculum. The program also generates awareness of the importance of a balanced diet, achieving a greater appreciation for and receptiveness toward the consumption of vegetables.

    Related Links:

    www.eco-huertos.org

    www.globalfoundationdd.org

     

  • The workshop "The Vegetable Garden in the School Curriculum" Begins the Academic Year in Various Institutions across the Country

    Santo Domingo, August 1, 2016

    With the intent to build with the teachers of the participating academic centers dynamic activities and projects to implement with their students, where the school garden is the field of management of cognitive development, attitudes and values; GFDD EcoHuertos program is offering in August, corresponding to the beginning of the 2016-2017 school year, the workshop "The Vegetable Garden in the School Curriculum".

    The school garden is a space where students and all the components of the school community have the opportunity to engage in activities that links them with vegetation in an experience that transcends the vegetable cultivation. In this space, "green" is not only food, but also contemplation, relaxation and connection with nature and knowledge.

    The workshop will be held in connection to the activities proposed by teachers with the fundamental and specific skills (conceptual, procedural and attitudinal) that define the garden contents in the current curriculum design is determined.

    All staff of each center will be involved.

    Calendar:

    Monday, August 1, 2016 - Colegio Nuevo Sol. La Agustina, Santo Domingo.

    Wednesday, August 3 - Centro de Formación Técnico-Prof’sional René Descartes, Baní.

    Friday, August 5 - Escuela Hogar del Niño, La Romana

    Monday, August 8, 2016 - Colegio Nuevo

    Monday, August 8, 2016 - Colegio Adventista Los Girasoles

    Monday, August 8, 2016 - Centro Educativo Jardín del Saber

    Thursday, August 9, 2016 - Centro Educativo Prof. Juan Bosch

    Wednesday, August 10, 2016 - Liceo Secundario Unión Panamericana

    Thursday, August 11, 2016 Escuela Básica Concepción Bona

    Friday, August 12, 2016 - Centro Educativo del nivel básico e inicial Paraguay

    Friday, August 19, 2016 - Escuela Básica Barraquito. D.M

  • Maintaining the Garden at Editorial Funglode

    Several employees of Editorial Funglode, participated today in a day of maintenance of the vegetable garden consisting of: weeding, soil removal, cleaning branches and dry leaves, pruning, filling containers, transplant and planting.

    The garden of the Editorial Funglode is an urban garden, located in the center of the city of Santo Domingo. It is composed of a stonemason where direct seeding is done, but also wooden boxes, planters and pots are also used.

    The vegetables that were planted this time were: celery, tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, and arugula. They have also sown: eggplant, broad coriander, leek, oregano, baby spinach, purple basil, green basil, rosemary.

    The garden of the Editorial is integrated into the inner courtyard garden and is a great advantage as the beauty of ornamental plants combine with vegetables. In addition, it raises the wealth for pollinators such as birds, butterflies and bees, which is favorable for successful fruit production is increased.

    Ornamental plants that were added to the garden’s setting were: Coralillo in its white, pink and red varieties; Isabel II, Doña Sanica, yellow and white flower varieties, Mexican bell and dandellions.

    About EcoHuertos
    The EcoHuertos program seeks to support the creation of organic and sustainable vegetable gardens in schools and communities throughout the Dominican Republic. It also supports hands-on workshops in the field of natural sciences contained in the educational curriculum. The program generates awareness on the importance of a balanced diet, contributes to food security and independence, as well as creation of small local business.

    Related Links:
    www.globalfoundationdd.org

  • EcoHuertos Creates a Community Roof Garden in SODIZUR

    La Zurza, July 1, 2016

    In order to create an organic and sustainable vegetable garden at the Sociedad para el Desarrollo Integral de la Zurza (SODIZUR), GFDD’s program, EcoHuertos, organized on June 21 and 26 two days of work. For the creation of the urban rooftop garden, they used recycled materials and creativity to plant in reused containers.

    On the first day, Tuesday June 21, a fence of concrete blocks was built to provide security to the roof. This was done thanks to the community who voluntarily cooperated with brickwork labor.

    On June 26, 37 people, including management staff members of SODIZUR; C representatives of the Housewives Committee of La Zurza, National District’s Health Promoters Association (Aprosadina), and leaders and local youth participated.

    The community participated enthusiastically in the second phase, which was divided into three stages: cleaning and conditioning of the roof; repair and suitability of the containers; and planting. Nurseries of spinach, onions, curly parsley, flat-leaf parsley, sesame seeds, broad cilantro, and eggplant were made. In addition, seedlings of tomato, oregano, basil, pepper, leek, spinach, basil, pepper, and lettuce were planted.

    About EcoHuertos:

    The program works on creating sustainable and organic gardens in schools and communities throughout the Dominican Republic, while also supporting, through practical field activities, areas of natural science included in the school curriculum. The program also raises awareness of the importance of a balanced diet and highlights the value of consumption of fruits and vegetables.

     

     

     
  • EcoHuertos Launches the Pioneering Workshop for Teachers “The Vegetable Garden in the Academic Curriculum” in the Dominican Republic

    Santo Domingo, June 20, 2016

    The GFDD program EcoHuertos, as part of its goal to create sustainable and organic vegetable gardens in schools and communities in the Dominican Republic, will offer during the month of August, for the beginning of the school year 2016-2017, the workshop entitled "The Vegetable Garden in the Academic Curriculum ". The workshop, the first of its kind in the country, will be addressed to all teachers of the academic institutions.

    The initiative of the GFDD program EcoHuertos aims to introduce in the academic curriculum projects, dynamics and activities to perform with students, where the school garden serves as tool to the management of the cognitive development of attitudes and values, as explains the Program Coordinator, Cristiana Cruz. It also seeks to define within the framework of the activities proposed by teachers, the fundamental and specific competencies and the contents (conceptual, procedural and attitudinal) that define the current curriculum.

    “The school garden is a space where all members of the school community and students have the opportunity to engage in activities that relate to the environment in an experience that transcends the mere cultivation of crops. In this space, green not only means food, but also contemplation, relaxation and connection with nature and knowledge”, noticed Cruz.

    About EcoHuertos

    The program seeks to support the creation of organic and sustainable vegetable gardens in schools and communities throughout the Dominican Republic, as well as support, through hands-on workshops, the areas of natural sciences contained in the educational curriculum. The program also generates awareness of the importance of a balanced diet, achieving a greater appreciation for and receptiveness toward the consumption of vegetables.

    Related Links: 

    www.eco-huertos.org 

    www.globalfoundationdd.org

  • Five More Family Gardens in La Zurza!

    La Zurza, June 8th, 2016

    In collaboration with the Programa Familias en Desarrollo of Fundación para el Saneamiento Ambiental de la Zurza (FUNDSAZURZA), Ecohuertos, a Global Foundation for Democracy and Development (GFDD) program, organized a day of creation of home gardens in la Zurza. On June 5th, gardens were created in the households of Anabel Ferreras and Rafael Garcia; Placido Herrera and Hilaria de la Cruz; Simon Martinez de la Rosa and Andrea Martinez; Adelaida Martinez; and Maria Luisa García.

    The gardening also received help from community members such as Yanet Herrera, Director of FUNDSAZURZA’s Programa Familias en Desarrollo; Julio Cesar Reyes, in charge of Culture and Risk Management; Ruddy Severino, Director of Centro Educativo Jardín del Saber; and more than 15 children from the school and community.

    After the success of the garden in the family home of Ramón Bueno Rodriguez, the EcoHuertos program continues the work on creating organic gardens with families members of Programa Familias en Desarrollo.

    On June 5th, a total of 28 participants helped plant tomato seedlings, chard, baby spinach and common spinach, basil, eggplant, leek, lettuce, peppers and spread onion, eggplant, and Roman lettuce seeds.

    For the creation of the home gardens, packaging is collected from homes and in the community with the purpose of reusing and recycling them.

    About EcoHuertos

    The program seeks to support the creation of organic and sustainable vegetable gardens in schools and communities throughout the Dominican Republic, as well as support, through hands-on workshops, the areas of natural sciences contained in the educational curriculum. The program also generates awareness of the importance of a balanced diet, achieving a greater appreciation for and receptiveness toward the consumption of vegetables.

    Related Links: 

    www.eco-huertos.org

    www.globalfoundationdd.org

     

  • Sowing Day at Centro para la Educación Dominica during the Recycling Olympics

    Santo Domingo, May 22, 2016

    Within the framework of the Recycling Olympics, activity held annually at the Centro para la Educación Dominica during the month of May, GFDD/Funglode’s program EcoHuertos hosted on May 20 a sowing day at the institution, which counted with the participation of 10 eighth and seventh grade students.

    During the activity, the Program Coordinator of EcoHuertos, Cristiana Cruz Minier, through the Dialogic Inquiry Strategy, which consists of questions that encourage responses, comments and more questions from the students, explained concepts related to vegetables, gardens and the care of both.

    Recyclable materials such as tires were used for the creation of the organic and sustainable garden. Vegetables such as spinach, Swiss chard, tomato, eggplant, pepper and leek were planted in the containers previously painted by the students.

    About EcoHuertos

    The program seeks to support the creation of organic and sustainable vegetable gardens in schools and communities throughout the Dominican Republic, as well as support, through hands-on workshops, the areas of natural sciences contained in the educational curriculum. The program also generates awareness of the importance of a balanced diet, achieving a greater appreciation for and receptiveness toward the consumption of vegetables.

    Related Links: 

    www.eco-huertos.org 

    www.globalfoundationdd.org

  • Centro Educativo Jardín del Saber Sets up its First Urban Roof Garden Thanks to EcoHuertos

    La Zurza, Santo Domingo, May 3, 2016

    In order to complete the creation of the organic and sustainable vegetable garden started last April, EcoHuertos Program Coordinator Cristiana Cruz Menier, worked last weekend with fifty people linked to the Centro Educativo Jardín del Saber, in La Zurza. The construction of the garden, an initiative without precedent in this area of the capital, laid on recycled materials and much creativity from the community. The garden, installed on the roof of the Center, is now a reality.

     

    After having explained to the participants the previously established garden design and listened to their ideas and opinions, work teams were made and roles were assigned. Among the participants: 11 school student, three teachers and 22 members of the group Juventud en Acción, the Vice President of FUNDSAZURZA, and the Vice President of SODIZUR.

     

    In addition to painting the fence of the garden, old tires, plastic gallons and bottles were prepared to be reused as planting containers. Plastics were cut and the tires were placed two by two according to their size and bags and sacks were placed inside to be filled with substrate.

    Moreover, seedlings of eggplant, sesame seeds, tomatoes, chard, celery, baby spinach, lettuce, leek, passion fruit, cilantro, pepper and oregano, as well as attractive ornamental plants for pollinators, were planted; and seeds of onion, radish, roman lettuce, eggplant and beetroot were sown.

    The day concluded with the watering of the plants and cleaning up the garden, amidst the excitement of children and adults for the success of the creation of their roof garden.

    About EcoHuertos
    The program seeks to support the creation of organic and sustainable vegetable gardens in schools and communities throughout the Dominican Republic, as well as support, through hands-on workshops, the areas of natural sciences contained in the educational curriculum. The program also generates awareness of the importance of a balanced diet, achieving a greater appreciation for and receptiveness toward the consumption of vegetables.

    Related Links:
    www.eco-huertos.org
    www.globalfoundationdd.org

  • Drafting the School Garden´s Present and Mapping out Its Future at Liceo de la República de Paraguay

    Santo Domingo, May 2, 2016

    In order to give continuity to the schedule of the EcoHuertos program and follow up on the work done by the students, Cristiana Cruz Minier, Coordinator of the GFDD´s program, visited, on April 28, Liceo de la República de Paraguay’s school garden. The interactive workshop involved 25 high school students accompanied by the Director of the institution, Iris Night, and Manager of the Vegetable Garden, Wilton de la Rosa.

    After a tour of the garden, Cruz Minier through the Dialogic Inquiry Strategy, which consists of questions that encourage responses, comments and other questions from the students, raised the needs of the garden and its future perspectives.

    The coordinator confirmed the excellent work done at the school, where students have not only planted and harvested radish, chayote, plantain, banana, taro, cassava, papaya, sweet potato, ginger, beans, tomato and pepper, but also, have often harvested mangoes and have grown a cocoa seedlings to give to the members of the school community who have requested them.

    Looking into the future, they are now planning a cleaning day of an unused area of the school, to condition it and integrate it as part of the garden, as well as building planters for growing aromatic and medicinal plants.

    About EcoHuertos

    The program seeks to support the creation of organic and sustainable vegetable gardens in schools and communities throughout the Dominican Republic, as well as support, through hands-on workshops, the areas of natural sciences contained in the educational curriculum. The program also generates awareness of the importance of a balanced diet, achieving a greater appreciation for and receptiveness toward the consumption of vegetables.

    Related Links: 

    www.eco-huertos.org 

    www.globalfoundationdd.org

     

  • Students from Baní Receive Follow-up Visit from the EcoHuertos Program

    Santo Domingo, February 5, 2016

     

    On February 2, 12th grade students from Centro de Formación Técnico-Profesional René Descartes, in Baní, in the presence of their director Gaudy Ruíz, proudly showed the EcoHuertos coordinator their achievements.

    The school orchard counts with crops such as radishes, lettuce, tomato, spinach and peppers, and during the visit received the donation of onion seeds and flat-leaf parsley, among others. The institute has adopted an environmental philosophy and collects materials to use as containers for their crops and is implementing a project to donate plants to the community in order to encourage their harvesting in yards and gardens.

     

    El Centro de Formación Técnico-Profesional René Descartes has continued to use the orchard as a tool for teaching and learning and to develop human skills.

    Related links: www.eco-huertos.org

  • 78 Students Learn the Fundamentals of Basic Gardening of the EcoHuertos Program

    Santo Domingo, January 29, 2016

    This past Tuesday 26 and Wednesday 27, Cristiana Cruz Minier, coordinator consultant of EcoHuertos, presented an Interactive Workshop on Basic Gardening to 78 students of 11th grade at Colegio Loyola, in Santo Domingo. 

     

    The workshop was coordinated with the teacher responsible for the garden in the academic institution, Diana Murcia Sterling, within the curricular program of the Farming course. For the realization of the workshop several techniques were put into practice, such as the retrieval of previous experiences and dialoguing or questioning strategies, suggested by the Fundamentals of the Curriculum of the Dominican Republic. 

     

    The students were introduced to the requirements for sowing, seed quality, and the production of seed beds, planting of seedlings, and transplants. Also, direct seeding, planting in containers and in bed garden, and compost, were subjects of the workshop. It deepened issues as the needs of water, light, temperature, and space for the establishment of an orchard, and in particular for some plants such as tomato, cucumber and baby spinach. It was also spoken about the importance of aromatic and ornamental plants in the garden, prepared a calendar of culture in relation to the school calendar and various projects, were suggested for such as the construction of a compost bin. 

     

    Students participated vivaciously with questions and comments and presented the individual and group projects that have been planned for the second semester of the school year.

     

    About EcoHuertos

     

    The program seeks to support the creation of organic and sustainable vegetable gardens in schools and communities throughout the Dominican Republic, as well as support, through hands-on workshops, the areas of natural sciences contained in the educational curriculum. The program also generates awareness of the importance of a balanced diet, achieving a greater appreciation for and receptiveness toward the consumption of vegetables.

    Related links: www.globalfoundationdd.org 

  • Planting is Underway at the Rodríguez Bueno Family Farm

    December 11, 2015

    The Rodríguez Bueno family now has its own small farm. This past December 9th, Ramón Antonio Rodríguez Bueno’s children, family members, neighbors and members of FUNDSAZURZA and SODIZUR all participated with great joy in the creation of the Rodríguez family farm. This project was overseen by GFDD’s EcoHuertos Program. 

    Preparation for the garden plot consisted of weeding, cleaning, getting rid of trash, removing rubble and debris from the soil and nailing down the zinc plates that form the fence around the garden. The fence received a coat of paint and ended up forming a walkway separating the house from the patio.

    They also created direct planting beds and nurseries. The seedlings and seeds they planted were: baby spinach, basil, regular spinach, romaine lettuce, salad tomatoes, eggplant, flat-leaf parsley, cubanela peppers, onions, Swiss chard and radishes.

    With the creation of the Ramón Antonio Rodríguez Bueno family farm, EcoHuertos wraps up its work for the year, 2015, and begins the projects we have planned for 2016.

    Concept

    The concept that preceded the creation of this small farm began at the end of this past July when, at the request of the Programa Familias en Desarrollo de la Fundación de Saneamiento Ambiental para la Zurza, FUNDSAZURZA, a conference was held for representatives of families from the La Zurza community, explained EcoHuertos Program Coordinator, Cristiana Cruz Menier. When the conference was ending, at the suggestion of participants, a list of names was drawn up of heads of households who wanted a small farm or garden of their own and who felt they had enough appropriate space to undertake such a project.

    In the beginning, they made two trips to the town and visited the families. They observed that there was sufficient space to plant these types of gardens and they also discussed the type of materials they would need, added Ms. Cruz Menier, EcoHuertos Coordinator. 

    Then the planning stage got underway, which involved making a preliminary design and getting quotes for materials. A third visit to Mr. Rodríguez’s family garden was made to define the definitive design and to discuss the work teams that will take care of the garden.  

    The Eco Huertos Program is sowing seeds and harvesting quality of life! 

    More information: www.globalfoundationdd.org

  • The Children’s School Garden in La Romana continues to sow “fruit”

    November 16, 2015

    On November 10, the Children’s School Garden in La Romana hosted a basic cultivation workshop and work day in the two gardens created by the school through GFDD’s EcoHuertos program. Students and professors participated in an enormous array of tasks with the help of the initiative’s coordinators.

    The basic cultivation workshop was held in the garden itself and consisted of dialogue and constant interaction between the program leader and the participants. This activity allowed students to analyze and apply the concepts learned about gardening in their Natural Science classes, previous workshops, and daily practice in the garden.

    In addition, several Basic and Specific Competencies of the School Curriculum were put into practice: Communicative, Ethical, and Civic Competencies; Logical, Creative, and Critical Thinking; Problem Solving; Environmental and Health Competencies; and Personal Development. This workshop emphasized basic concepts related to the garden, cultivation and harvesting techniques, daily upkeep, gardening norms, etc.

    The work day in the garden consisted of the following: waste removal, adding organic material to the compost heap, weeding, preparing containers to serve as seed pots, pruning, reorganization of the allotments, removing substrates from the allotments and seed pots, planting seeds and seedlings. These activities were done in groups made up of both sexes and various grade levels working in teams to foster continuity. 

    We planted seeds and seedlings for basil, peppers, tomate, celery, summer spinach, baby spinach, eggplant, chard, lettuce, squash, radishes, onions, and leeks. 

     

    www.globalfoundationdd.org

  • Plans Come Together for New Garden at Hato Nuevo School

    Hato Nuevo, DR – A local school in Hato Nuevo got plans for a new school garden underway with the help of EcoHuertos on October 22nd. The three hour workshop at Escuela Básica Concepción Bona included the assistance of over thirty 5th and 6th grade students along with teachers, coordinators, custodians, and the school dietician.

    Cristina Cruz Minier, Coordinator of the EcoHuertos Program, said that the students will be the caretakers for the new garden, which will be built in the coming weeks. “The students… participated enthusiastically in the dynamic presentation, where they worked as a team for the construction and analysis of the garden concept, defined by brainstorming which plants would be sown in the garden,” said Minier.

    About EcoHuertos

    The mission of EcoHuertos is to encourage the development of organic and sustainable gardens in educational centers and communities throughout the Dominican Republic. GFDD officially launched the School and Community Gardens Program, or Eco-Huertos Program, in 2012. Since its inception, the program has successfully created a total of 26 gardens in 17 education centers (7 private and 10 public schools), 5 community centers and 4 residences in the provinces of Santo Domingo, Santiago, San Cristobal, Baní, Monte Plata and Azua.

    More information

    EcoHuertos Online

     

    www.gfdd.org

  • Community Activities Encourage Involvement at the DREFF

    Along with screening over 30 inspiring films, the DREFF will host multiple community activities during the week of the festival this September. These activities range from demonstrations and contests to exhibits and hands-on activities. The goal of these activities at the DREFF is to promote dialogue and the exchange of knowledge and experience, and inspire Dominicans to adopt actions that contribute to the appreciation, conservation, and sustainable use of their environmental resources.

    A special presentation on bees and beekeeping will take place on September 9th at 4 p.m. in the Funglode Auditorium in Santo Domingo. This event is in conjunction with the showing of the film Vanishing of the Bees, and will feature a live bee colony, beekeeping equipment, and products such as honey and beeswax!

    A social media competition is set to take place throughout the whole week of the festival. Individuals can participate by sharing a photo or 15 second video of your favorite nature spot in the Dominican Republic on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook, and inviting your followers/friends to meet there. The photo or video should highlight an action promoting the environmental protection of this spot. Be sure to use the hashtags #MiRincón, #RDsostenible and #DREFF, and make reference to @MuestraCine and @DominicanaOnline.

    The photography exhibit, Oxygen, will be open in the Funglode gallery during the week of the festival, from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. each day. In this exhibit, Spanish photographer Juan Carlos Vélaz offers a journey across the Dominican Republic, recounting his three year expedition exploring the country’s coastline, forests, hills, and other natural enclaves. Considering natural spaces to be as necessary to humans as the oxygen they breathe, Vélaz encourages us to visit the areas they photographed and protect them from degradation.

    The ReCrearte Program, along with other Dominican organizations, will be hosting an arts showcase promoting recycling within the country by using found materials to create new and beautiful products. It will take place at the Funglode Gallery on September 13th from 2 to 8 p.m. A recycled art workshop will also be hosted by ReCrearte on September 11th at 10 a.m. The session is open to students and members of the BIJRD, and focuses on the principles of recycling and how to turn waste materials such as wood, plastic, and textiles into decorative objects of practical use such as bags, earrings, and other useful items.

    Another event targeted toward the younger crowd is a walk and rally at the National Botanical Gardens in Santo Domingo. On September 10th, from 8 to 11 a.m., participants will trek through the National Botanical Gardens, learn new skills, and discover the extensive range of biodiversity contained in the Dominican Republic. Following a circuit through the gardens, the young guests will answer questions about Dominican flora and fauna and take part in several other entertaining activities, making it a fun morning to celebrate and enjoy nature!

    Special clean-up events will also take place during the week. One, on September 12th from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., will beautify the fishing community of Bajos de Hain with a beach cleanup and the painting of a wall mural promoting marine biodiversity in the country. Another will focus on Villa Consuelo on September 8th from 9 a.m to 12 p.m. This cleanup will finish with a decorative wall mural made of recycled materials collected during the cleanup.

    A unique event focusing on short stories about nature and biodiversity will take place on September 9th at 10 a.m. Dominican photographer Eladio Fernández and Guatemalan photographer Marvin del Cid will narrate a slideshow that highlights the beauty of Dominican nature and its extensive biodiversity levels during this presentation at the BIJRD.

    An environmental excursion, hosted by the RDescubre initiative, will take place on September 12th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The objective of this activity is to increase awareness among young people about the problems that plague coral reefs, while encouraging them to develop small-scale environmental projects and work as a team with other young people toward a better system and respect for the environment.

    About the DREFF:
    Since its creation in 2011, the Dominican Republic Environmental Film Festival (DREFF)- an initiative of Global Foundation for Democracy and Development (GFDD) and Fundación Global Democracia y Desarrollo (Funglode) -has been providing Dominicans with a platform of knowledge and debate on the environment and sustainable development, along with its challenges and best practices while celebrating the unique beauty and wealth that is the Dominican Republic’s natural heritage.

    With a diverse selection of films and numerous panels, workshops, seminars, and community activities, the DREFF promotes dialogue and the exchange of knowledge and experience, inspiring Dominicans to adopt actions that contribute to the appreciation, conservation, and sustainable use of their environmental resources.

    More information:
    www.r3crearte.org
    RDescubre


    DREFF app:
    Apple (iTunes): https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/dreff/id1029535649?mt=8
    Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.sched.dominicanrepublicenvironmen2015
    www.dreff.org / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
    Twitter @MuestraCine / Facebook MuestraCineMedioambiental

    To see the complete program click here

  • Lecture on Family Gardens in Collaboration with FUNDSAZURZA

    Santo Domingo, August 3, 2015

    On Friday July 31, 2015, Cristiana Cruz Minier gave a talk on family gardens and the GFDD Eco Huertos program. More than 60 people attended the talk, given in collaboration with the Families in Development Program, part of the Fundación para el Saneamiento Ambiental de la Zurza (FUNDSAZURZA).

    Objectives of the talk in the Zurza community were:

    • To disseminate knowledge about organic gardens, without impact to the environment and health.
    • Create a list of families interested in planting or taking care of the garden.
    • Initiate contact with families to be supported by the GFDD program in their creation of organic gardens.

     Some topics talked about at the lecture:

    • What is a garden?
    • What is an organic garden?
    • What type of plants are grown in a garden and why?
    • Types of gardens
    • How to construct and plant a garden
    • What should we keep in mind when creating a garden?
    • What are the needs of plants, specifically when growing vegetables?\
    • Recycling materials in the garden
    • How to involve the whole family in the garden work
    • What is a community garden? What are the rights and duties?

     

     More information: www.globalfoundationdd.org

  • Countdown to DREFF 2015 is on!

    The webpage for the fifth edition of the Dominican Republic Environmental Film Festival is up and running in English and Spanish, just in time to start learning everything you need to know about this year’s films, international guests, panels, workshops, as well as community and special activities that will take place between September 8-13 in ten cities around the Dominican Republic.

    The countdown has begun. The calendars are marked and everything you have wanted to know about the fifth edition of the Dominican Republic Environmental Film Festival (DREFF) is now available on the official website. The entertaining and easy to use website will collect information on films, special guests as well as the cities and venues hosting the Festival from September 8-13. It will keep you on top of the screenings and activities that will revolve around a common theme this year: Toward an Agreement on Climate Change, United Nations 2015.

    Over 25 venues comprise this year’s DREFF screening network in 10 cities: Santo Domingo, Santiago, Baní, San Francisco de Macorís, Puerto Plata, San Juan de la Maguana, La Vega, Samaná Bonao and Punta Cana.

    Countries represented in this fifth are the Dominican Republic, Cuba, United States, Canada, Mozambique, Spain, France, England, India, Australia, the Netherlands and Germany.

    Under three categories – “Personal Habits,” “Public Policies and Business” and “Inspiration”- the DREFF will show a total of 36 films this year, including features, short films, Dominican productions, retrospectives and GFDD’s own film productions.

    A group of nearly 40 international and national guests will mix with the public at all film screenings where they will offer workshops, panels and round table discussions about cutting-edge issues in sustainable, socioeconomic development.

    A celebration of the seventh art that brings together young people, academics, experts, activists, filmmakers, representatives from the public and private sectors, non-governmental organizations as well as a wide-ranging audience from all walks of life, all coming together to promote programs and projects that contribute to protection, conservation and environmental sustainability.

     

    Thanks to our partners and collaborators
    “Thanks to the invaluable participation of nearly 60 private institutions, both non-governmental and public, every September for the past five years the Festival reaches more than 7,000 viewers, with over 80 free film screenings,” said Natasha Despotovic, Film Festival Director and Executive Director of the GFDD.

    Since its creation in 2011, the Dominican Republic Environmental Film Festival– an initiative of Global Foundation for Democracy and Development (GFDD) and Fundación Global Democracia y Desarrollo (Funglode) – has been providing Dominicans with a platform of knowledge and debate on the environment and sustainable development, its challenges and best practices while celebrating the unique beauty and wealth that is the Dominican Republic’s natural heritage.

    With a diverse selection of films and numerous panels, workshops, seminars and community activities, the DREFF, stressed Ms. Despotovic, “is promoting dialogue and exchange of knowledge and experience, inspiring Dominicans to adopt actions that contribute to the appreciation, conservation and sustainable use of their environmental resources.”

    Fulfilling GFDD/Funglode’s commitment to contribute to meeting the Sustainable Development Objectives, the DREFF implements 5 programs that operate throughout the year and work with diverse communities: ReCrearte, EcoHuertos, RDescubre, Globo Verde Dominicano Award and Screening of Environmental Films.

    In its mission to promote the production of environmental films and to raise the level of public awareness, the DREFF organizes the Premio Globo Verde Dominicano Award, the Year-Round Environmental Film Screenings program, produces its own documentaries and constantly updates the Film Festival’s blog.

    The DREFF is a member of the Green Film Network, an international network that groups together 30 of the most important environmental film festivals in the world.

    More information: www.globalfoundationdd.org

     

  • Hogar del Niño Gardeners Get Tips on Beautifying Their Garden and Results Are Awesome

    A total of 35 students and 3 teachers from the Hogar del Niño School in La Romana participated in an EcoHuertos course on Basic Cultivation, part of a GFDD/FUNGLODE initiative, held on April 29th.

    The course was attended by 35 students and three teachers from the Eco Huertos Group as well as representatives from the school community.

    Following up what they learned at the Induction Workshop, the course – given by the Agronomy Engineer, Wilkin Encarnación – students and teachers received specific instructions on how to care for a garden and about each vegetable they planted. They learned about how much light and water was needed, types of soil, the recommended distance between plants as well as when and how to harvest, among other gardening advice, explained Cristiana Cruz Minier, EcoHuertos Coordinator.

    The Hogar del Niño School gardeners planted Swiss chard, okra, radishes, corn, eggplants, tomatoes, green beans, cucumbers, peppers and arugula, among other veggies.

    EcoHuertos works to create sustainable and organic gardens in schools and communities throughout the Dominican Republic, while supporting the study of Natural Sciences in the school curriculum through practical, hands-on activities. The program also raises awareness about the importance of a healthy balanced diet and highlights the value of eating fresh fruit and vegetables.

  • Student Gardeners Present the Fruits and Vegetables of their Labor at Hogar del Niño School

    La Romana, Dominican Republic, April 23, 2015 

    A group of students from Hogar del Niño School enthusiastically presented the harvest from their garden, which was planted a few months ago under the guidance of EcoHuertos, an initiative of GFDD/Funglode.

    Rodolfo Mojica, the teacher in charge of the project, said the elementary students happily posed for the camera while showing the progress of their plants. The children planted lettuce, tomatoes, peppers, radishes, and other vegetables, whose seeds were donated by the EcoHuertos program. Mojica said, "Through this initiative children have the opportunity to develop their learning skills in natural sciences, interact directly with nature, acquire new and practical experiences on the importance of preserving the environment, and encourage individual and team work through the school garden.” 

    The creation of the school garden is part of the objectives of the EcoHuertos program, which offers students a place for recreation, relaxation, and physical activity, while supporting the concepts of the natural sciences and experimental activities in the education curriculum.  

    Since its inception, the EcoHuertos program has successfully created more than 20 gardens in various educational and community centers and homes in the provinces of Santo Domingo, Santiago, San Cristobal, Bani, Azua, and Monte Plata. 

    More information: www.globalfoundationdd.org

  • GFDD/Funglode Encourages Sustainable Agricultural Techniques at Geography Week in Santo Domingo

    Santo Domingo, April 23, 2015

    Under the slogan The Future of Food: Feeding the World and Taking Care of the Planet the IV Geography Week Fair was held on April 21 and 22 at Plaza Sambil mall in Santo Domingo, with the aim of creating awareness in schools, families and society about the importance of caring for our planet to ensure food for future generations. GFDD/Funglode actively participated during the Fair, presenting the documentary Madre Tierra, alimentando a más de 7,000 millones de habitantes with a presentation on Sustainable Agriculture in charge of Dr. Cristiana Cruz Minier, EcoHuertos program coordinator, who gave a talk on good practices in agricultural techniques.

    11 research projects on the future of food developed by students of primary and intermediate level were displayed, who were awarded three first places and two honorable mentions. Winners Modesta Pérez, Maria Paula Reyes and Franklin Ortiz Rodríguez received the book Dominican Republic Encyclopedic Dictionary of the Environment, an A to Z guide of the environment and natural resources of the Republic Dominican.

    The event was also attended by Bienvenido Flores, chief of the Directorate General of Community Involvement of the Ministry of Education, Gero Vaagt, country representative for the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Gema Hidalgo General Manager Listin Diario Group, Miguel Franjul, Director of Listin Diario, and Rosario Vásquez, in charge of Plan LEA. 

    Among the institutions and partner companies involved were the National Geographic Society, the Ministry of Education: Department of Community Involvement, the Pan American Institute of Geography and History, the School of Geography, UASD, the University Geographical Institute of the UASD, Grupo Jaragua, FAO and Giladan.

  • EcoHuertos Urban Garden at the Escuela Básica Concepción Bona Starts Taking Shape

    March 21, 2015, Santo Domingo

    The EcoHuertos urban garden at the Escuela Básica Concepción Bona in Hato Nuevo, Manoguayabo, is taking shape, since the team of students and teachers began the process of planting seedlings and seeds in four flower beds created last week. The event took place on Friday, March 20 under the guidance of Cristiana Cruz Minier, program coordinator.

  • Fun and Awareness While Creating an Urban Garden at the Headquarters of Editorial Funglode

    With the guidance of Eco-Huertos’ program coordinator, Cristiana Cruz Minier, members of Editorial Funglode started planting the seeds in their new urban garden, where last
    week they prepared the garden boxes, pots and baskets for direct seeding and transplanting seedlings. The activity took place on February 26 at Editorial Funglode’s headquarters in Esperilla, Santo Domingo.

  • Employees of Editorial Funglode Takes the First Steps to Create their Urban Garden

     

    Santo Domingo, February 24, 2015

    After recently participated in the Induction Workshop of Eco-Huertos program, where they learned the basic techniques to create a sustainable garden, twenty members of the Funglode editorial in Esperilla, Santo Domingo joined with joy and enthusiasm to the first stage of the work to prepare their own garden in the institution. The process was supervised by Cristiana Cruz Minier, coordinator of the Eco-Huertos program.

  • Colegio Loyola Plants the First Seeds of the Year in Its School Garden

     

    Santo Domingo, February 10, 2015

     

    Colegio Loyola is one of the star schools participating in the EcoHuertos Program, an initiative of Global Foundation for Democracy and Development (GFDD)'s Dominican Republic Environmental Film Festival (DREFF). It was one of the first educational centers to become part of the Program in 2011, and in 2015 a large number of its students and teachers are taking charge of the school garden, which is the pride of the community. In this photo story we can see several student groups planting this first year’s seeds.

     

  • Editorial Funglode´s Staff, Ready to Create Its Urban Garden

     

    Santo Domingo, February 4, 2015

     

    Employees of Editorial Funglode participated in the Induction Workshop of Eco-Huertos program, where they learned the basic techniques to create a sustainable garden. The event, held on Friday, January 30, is part of the activities performed continuously by GFDD/Funglode's program Eco-Huertos, to raise awareness about the importance of a balanced diet and how we can get it through our own home garden.

     

  • The DREFF Kicks-off the Fourth Edition of the Globo Verde Dominicano Award with a Special Category for High School Students

    Santo Domingo, February 2, 2015

    The Dominican Republic Environmental Film Festival (DREFF) will host the fourth edition of the first audiovisual competition in the area of environment and sustainable development in the Dominican Republic, the Globo Verde Dominicano Award. This year’s competition will include a special category for high school students: the Globo Verde Junior, which joins the Public Service Announcement, Short Film and Photography categories.

  • Donation of Seeds and Practical Guides to Colegio Loyola

    Santo Domingo, January 23, 2015

    As part of the monitoring program that is carried out with the schools that already have built their own garden, on January 22 the EcoHuertos Program Coordinator, Cristiana Cruz Menier, visited Colegio
    Loyola in Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic.

  • The Documentary ¿Garbage or Resource? A Dominican Republic Experience Can Be Seen Online on GFDD's Channel

    Washington, January 21, 2015

    Following its successful screening in 13 international festivals, ¿Garbage or Resource? A Dominican Republic Experience is now available online for free at Global Foundation for Democracy and Development’s (GFDD) Youtube Channel. The 17-minute documentary, produced by Global Foundation for Democracy and Development (GFDD) and Fundación Global Democracia y Desarrollo (Funglode), is one of its kind in its genre in the country, that shows us how recycling has become a significant economic opportunity for Dominicans. Through various business and educational projects, the viewer learns how, besides the obvious benefit to the environment, recycling brings economic development through the creation of new businesses and industries.

  • First Induction Workshop of the EcoHuertos Program in 2015

    Santo Domingo, January 18th, 2015

    The EcoHuertos program held its first workshop of the year on January 16th: it took place at Liceo Técnico Manuel del Cabral, located in El Almirante, in the municipality of East Santo Domingo, and comprised more than 50 people, including students, teachers, managers and support staff.

  • GFDD & FUNGLODE present IV DR Environmental Film Festival

    Santo Domingo, August 14, 2014

    The fourth edition of the DR Environmental Film Festival (DREFF), an initiative of FUNGLODE/GFDD, will be held from September 10-14 in 10 cities: Santo Domingo, Santiago de los Caballeros, Puerto Plata, San Francisco de Macorís, Baní, San Juan de la Maguana, La Vega, Samaná, San Cristobal and Sosúa and a total of 20 venues and an inviting lineup for schools, universities and communities.

  • DREFF raises awareness and promotes environmental stewardship

    Santo Domingo, June 10, 2014

    In celebration of World Environment Day, and as part of its mission to raise awareness and deepen the understanding of environmental issues, the Dominican Republic Environmental Film Festival (DREFF), a GFDD/FUNGLODE initiative, successfully carried out a series of events between June 6th and 9th.

  • Students Participate in 46th Eco-Visits Program for Environmental Education and Recreation

    Santo Domingo, May 21, 2014

    Some two hundred and forty public school students participated in the 46th Eco-Visits Program for Environmental Education and Recreation, promoted by the Dominican Ministry of Environment’s Department of Education and Environmental Training.

    The event, which was organized in coordination with GFDD/FUNGLODE, began 9:30 am singing the notes of our Dominican National Anthem. Followed by the song "A Resforestar " performed by students of Altos de los Naranjos school, accompanied by the author Claudio Cohen.

  • Students Participate in 46th Eco-Visits Program for Environmental Education and Recreation

    Santo Domingo, May 21, 2014

    Some two hundred and forty public school students participated in the 46th Eco-Visits Program for Environmental Education and Recreation, promoted by the Dominican Ministry of Environment’s Department of Education and Environmental Training. The event, which was organized in coordination with GFDD/FUNGLODE, began 9:30 am singing the notes of our Dominican National Anthem. Followed by the song "A Resforestar " performed by students of Altos de los Naranjos school, accompanied by the author Claudio Cohen.

  • Dominican Ministry of Environment’s Eco-visitas Program to be Hosted by GFDD and FUNGLODE

    Santo Domingo, May 16, 2014

    Some two hundred and forty students will be participating in the 46th edition of the Eco-visitas program for Environmental Education and Recreation, which is promoted by the Dominican Ministry of Environment’s Department of Education and Environmental Training.

  • GFDD's New Series of Eco-Courses Aid Sustainable Agricultural Development in the Dominican Republic

    Santo Domingo, January 24, 2014

    On Tuesday January 28th, GFDD’s EcoHuertos program will be launching its new series of workshops with a training session on basic cultivation practices. This will be held at the Fray Ramon Pane School in Santo Domingo. A total of three new courses have been added to the program that will help build capacity and train students, teachers and parents on topics such as basic garden maintenance, organic composting and pollinators and pests. The training sessions will serve to complement the induction, garden building and seed conservation workshops that are already in place and provide second stage gardens with the necessary tools for the development of self-sustaining systems.

  • GFDD’s EcoHuertos Program Brings Year to-a-close with Creation of 8 New School and Community Gardens

    Santo Domingo, December 12, 2013

    On December 11th, the EcoHuertos Program, which seeks to support sustainable garden creation in schools and communities throughout the Dominican Republic, successfully concluded a series of induction workshops, culminating in the establishment of 8 new fruit and vegetable garden systems.

  • DREFF Presents its Environmental Agenda in 20th Environmental International Film Festival (FICMA)

    Barcelona, November 9, 2013

    The Dominican Republic Environmental Film Festival (DREFF), an initiative of GFDD and FUNGLODE, presented its year-round Environmental Program agenda at one of the most recognized festivals in Europe, the Environmental International Film Festival (FICMA) in Barcelona, Spain.

  • EcoHuertos Program takes root in San Cristobal

    Santo Domingo, October 18, 2013     

    On Saturday, October 19th, GFDD and FUNGLODE are proud to announce that EcoHuertos, a program that supports the creation of organic and sustainable vegetable gardens in schools and communities throughout the Dominican Republic, will travel to San Cristobal to impart an induction workshop for members of the Fundación Iglesia Centro de Fe y Vida Abundante.

  • GFDD and FUNGLODE's EcoHuertos Program Takes Root in Haiti

    Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, June 20, 2013

    On June 22, GFDD/FUNGLODE are proud to announce that EcoHuertos, a program that supports the creation of organic and sustainable vegetable gardens in schools and communities throughout the Dominican Republic, will be heading to Haiti to meet with twenty women in the village community of Le Brun in the municipality of Paillant, Haiti.

Since its inception the program has created a total of 26 vegetable gardens across the country in the provinces of Santo Domingo, Santiago, San Cristobal, Baní, Monte Plata, and Azua.

9 Private Schools
Babeque Secondary School
Loyola School
Centro Educativo Los Prados
Rene Descartes School
Calasanz School
Saint George
New Horizons
Escuela Hogar del Niño
Centro Educativo Quisqueya

10 Public Schools:
Fray Ramón Pane School
El Llano Elementary School
Canadá School
Las Barreras Elementary School
Capotillo Education Center
Ave María Polytechnic School
Republic of Paraguay School
Youth in Development School
Quisqueya Education Center
Braulio Paulino Polytechnic School
Unión Panamericana Secondary School
Escuela Básica Concepción Bona

6 Community Centers:
Club Banreservas
Women’s Association of La Nueva Esperanza
Children International’s Community Center in Bayaguana
FUNDZAZURZA
Fe y Vida Abundante Church Center Foundation
Batey 50 (El Seibo)

5 Family gardens:
Figuereo and Yumary Castillo Family
Bernardina Agramonte Family
Matos Vargas Family
Stalin Feliz Beltré Family
Ramón Rodríguez Bueno

Support:

Banco de Reservas
Children International
Fundzazurza
Ministerio de Medio Ambiente y Recursos Naturales
Centro Cultural Perelló
Red Nacional de Apoyo Empresarial a la Protección Ambiental