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It all began in 2003 when teacher and psychologist Evely Peniche, her husband Jamie Alonzo and their Dutch friend Sascha Kok, began to organize social and cultural activities for a group of needy children in their community. These children were delighted to have an afternoon of fun with their friends. Over the next few years, Evely realized that many of the children didn’t have the opportunity to go to school because of economic hardships. With a deep love for God and teaching, and the help of several others, she established a makeshift classroom in the garage of her home, beginning the Nest of Love with small group of students in 2006. The school’s focus goes beyond textbooks and into a Christian education. Evely, and a handful of other dedicated teachers, currently minister to over 100 students.

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The school hosts six classes for over 100 children from maternal, kindergarden, preschooler and first to fourth grades. Even though textbooks are scarce and school supplies are minimal, the students have a great enthusiasm for learning. Computer literacy, for children and adults, is currently being integrated into the curriculum. In addition, we are also working towards the possibility of building a new school to serve more children in our local community.

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The goals of Nest of Love (Nidito de Amor) are to: Provide a Christian education so children can experience God’s love and share it with their families and neighbors Help children develop psychomotor and learning skills Host stimulating and educational programs, such as Vacation Bible School Empower students to rise above hardships, break the cycle of poverty, and reach their full potential Offer programs that meet the needs of children with learning disabilities

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Supporting financially Help pay for teachers, workbooks, school supplies and other educational material, tables and chairs, and playground equipment. Supplying materials Help provide a quality learning environment by donating pencils, erasers, pencil sharpeners, rulers, notebooks, and Spanish children’s books. Help foster creativity by providing crayons, color pencils and markers, children’s scissors, clay, finger-paints, construction paper, glue, craft foam letters and numbers, puzzles, and other items for creative projects or recreational programs. Supplying clothing and health/hygiene essentials Students need all sizes of lightweight/summer clothing and also personal items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, and first aid supplies.

Thank you, in the name of all the children, for making a difference in their lives.
Evely, Jaime & Sascha

If you are interested in helping support the Nest of Love mission from the United States, please contact Rich or Julie Schott at (410) 224-6780. Rich, Julie and their two children will be returning to the Dominican Republic in August 09 to bring additional school supplies, textbooks, clothes and more for the 2009-2010 school year.