Project Launch:

With a $500 grant from World Connect’s Kids to Kids Program in 2010, a “Knowledge is Power” project was held at the Escuela Taller Santa Maria Josefa Rossello in the Dominican Republic. The project provided ten weeks of extra-curricular science work for students and focused on the natural, earth, chemical, and physical sciences. Some activities included constructing volcanoes, making ice cream, growing plants, and designing cars out of mouse traps. Initial participants in Knowledge is Power were students who demonstrated difficulties with anger management and conflict resolution. Messages and activities focused on teamwork, persistence, and thinking before acting and many participants developed tools to handle their emotions in a healthier manner. The project culminated in a science fair and a graduation ceremony. The experience helped students develop personal pride and self-esteem and the project has since been replicated multiple times with different students.