UNE group cycles through another year’s fund raising campaign for Dominican schools
On October 18, 2014, at UNE’s annual craft fair, Thomas Klak, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Environmental Studies, along with a group of his students, raised more than $1,000 to aid three Dominican schools in their quest to purchase laptop computers, install security fencing, and provide scholarship funds for preschool children whose families are unable to afford the costs. The $1,000 will be matched by the three Dominican schools.
Every year Klak oversees a match-up fundraising campaign prior to leading a student and faculty excursion to Dominica in January, during which the University group supports villages and community groups committed to sustainable development.
The Fundraising efforts often take unconventional forms. This year, the group took pledges for a "100 Mile Bike-a-Thon for 100 Dominican School kids," during which the students took turns riding a stationary bicycle, riding the equivalent of 160 miles in one day. The group also sold baked goods as well as smoothies that were made with power generated by another stationary bike, which was loaned to the fundraising campaign from Sodexo dining services. Additionally, UNE’s Art Department donated pieces of art, proceeds from the sale of which at the craft fair were added to the funds raised by the group.
Since 2005, Prof. Klak has brought more than 150 U.S. university students and professors to Dominica. "Dominicans are generous and hard-working people who take pride in their beautiful island," Klak explained. "We Americans have much to learn from Dominicans about living close to the land and not over-exploiting it. If we can help Dominican teachers, farmers, fishermen, and ecotourism guides keep doing what they are good at and what they love, we feel we can make a positive contribution during our island visit."
The Dominican partners are Hatty Leslie from Grand Fond Primary, Jannice DeJean from Grand Fond Preschool and Verna DeJean Frederick from Morne Jaune Primary.
The Dominica News Online published an article on October 28, 2014, which discussed the fundraising effort.