Project Launch:

Juan Lopez, Maca is a fairly large town in the Dominican Republic with a diverse economic situation, but one particular barrio (neighborhood) – Los Macos - is very poor. Several children in Los Macos lack the money or support from their parents to go to school, so they have nothing to do besides wander the streets. Some goof around all day; others told their local Peace Corps Volunteer that either they or their friends are ladrones (thieves). These are bright, good kids who wanted something more productive to do, but lacked options. With support from World Connect’s Kids to Kids Program in 2011, an art group was started in the neighborhood.  The goal was that the group not only be about art, but a kid’s club that could give the kids something to be proud of. The group gave the kids the opportunity to use their imaginations to create artwork they could take home to show their families and gave them a creative outlet that helped them see that they have options. The group incorporated talks on manners, respect, and other values.