Traveling to the Dominican Republic with Kairos Spirituality-for-Social Justice Centre was an amazing experience for me. It allowed me to experience another culture, speak another language, and connect with many young and old individuals. I also feel I have gained in perspective regarding the great disparities between the rich and the poor and, more specifically, the social, political and economic systems that further impoverish the country and the people.
I felt the work that we did as a group helped to create and strengthen our relationships with our Earth Community. To me, an Earth Community is the connection that all humans have with one another. Strengthening this relationship takes energy, hard work, and an understanding that we are all connected in a very intricate manner. Indeed we are all made of the same material; so-called ‘cosmic dust’ which has been forming and traveling and changing for over 13 billion years. Through knowing this seemingly simple fact, I realize the true connection we have with one another and, more so, the responsibility we have to foster mutually beneficial and respectful relationships.
Working with the underprivileged children in the day camp is an example of how one may achieve a more connected Earth Community. Through education, sports and dancing, and simple comradery we, as group leaders, have helped to connect young Canadians with our Dominican counterparts, as well as many children. The children who participated in the day camp were able to run and play and learn in a secure and enjoyable environment, one which these children do not often get the chance to live in.
In terms of education, one area the Dominican Leaders, with our assistance, concentrated on was the importance of water and how this finite resource is critical to the survival of the children’s society, their family and themselves. We also took the opportunity to teach the children about the life and times of Marguerite d’Youville. This was important, as many of Marguerite’s values were ones we strive to possess; ones that will ultimately help strengthen our global connection to one another. Education is without a doubt the most important tool we human beings have access to and we must share the knowledge and information we have had the opportunity to gain with all those who will listen.
In addition, playing sports and cooperative games, doing crafts, and dancing with the children not only helped maintain their physical and mental health, it also allowed them to gain self-confidence and understand what it means to work as a group (both as a member and as a leader). All of these factors (physical health, psychosocial well-being and skill acquisition) are important, not only in the children's immediate development, but also in the future when these children are adults and are striving to make something of their lives (i.e., career, parenthood). I believe that children's involvement in sports and physical activity should be strongly encouraged in any society as many of life skills can be learned with proper structure and coaching. This is yet another way we were able to foster relationships in our global Earth Community.
Traveling to the Dominican Republic was in no way a vacation. Indeed, much was invested to try to build and maintain mutually beneficial relationships withthe Dominican community. This is why the term ‘Earth Community’ is used. We human beings are all inextricably bound together – from our fundamental biochemistry, to our drives and hopes of reaching our full potential. However some of us have more help than others in achieving what we yearn for. It is for this reason that I feel we must help our brothers and sisters and parents, not only in our own communities, but also in communities all over the world. Would you let your sisters sleep in the streets? Would you withhold food from your starving brothers? Would you not be concerned for your sick parents? Knowing that we are all connected, I know what I would do.
Twenty-four-year-old Danny Jones participated in the Canada/DR program, helping to organize and run day camps for children who would not otherwise experience such fun and learning. He is a world-wide traveler, having just spent a year in Kenya working at an orphanage. Other undertakings include volunteering with the Red Cross in Uganda, helping with a micro-hydro installation in Thailand and building a pre-school in Nicaragua. Danny has a BSc in Kinesiology and is about to begin studies for a Masters in Physiology, both from McGill University.