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DREAM Project from Dominican Republic wins 2023 UNESCO Confucius Prize for Literacy
In a world constantly evolving, literacy stands as an unwavering pillar of knowledge, empowerment, and change. It's the bedrock upon which we build sustainable and peaceful societies. The UNESCO Confucius Prize for Literacy 2023 celebrates organizations that have made significant strides in promoting literacy, particularly in the face of global transitions. Among these inspiring laureates is the Dominican Republic Education and Mentoring (DREAM) Project, recognized for its remarkable "My Very Own Library" programme.
The DREAM Project's "My Very Own Library" programme (MVOL), is rooted in a stark educational reality. Dominican students have consistently ranked at the bottom in reading among Latin American and Caribbean nations, as highlighted by UNESCO's Regional Comparative and Explanatory studies. MVOL emerged as a beacon of hope in this challenging landscape.
The inspiration behind MVOL is deeply embedded in the belief that access to books can radically transform educational outcomes and personal success. It understands that books at home, reflecting one's culture and environment, create an environment where reading is cherished, thus fostering a culture of reading in communities. MVOL is DREAM's vehicle to develop this vital culture of reading in the Dominican Republic.
MVOL doesn't just hand out books; it ignites a lifelong love for reading. It targets students in low-income communities, where families often lack access to educational materials. Through MVOL book fairs, students meet professional authors, illustrators, and literacy promoters, engaging in authentic reading activities, workshops, and presentations. DREAM's approach is culturally relevant and responsive, emphasizing the cultural identity of students, valuing and empowering them.
Strengthening and engaging local communities
DREAM has etched a profound mark in local communities, building relationships, raising awareness about challenges, and creating sustainable, strengths-based programmes. By providing new, culturally appropriate resources, inspiring storytelling, and introducing innovative strategies to teachers, DREAM fosters better reading outcomes, educational achievement, and the ability to participate fully in society.
The project doesn't rest on its laurels. Their programmes are guided by regular reviews, ensuring consistent improvements in activities and strategies. Surveys, interviews, and home visits track short- and long-term outcomes. To offer high-quality reading materials, MVOL collaborates with reputable publishers and even has its own online mini-library, facilitating diverse reading promotion strategies at home.
MVOL brings literacy resources to students' doorsteps, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility in remote communities. Book fairs allow students to select books for their home libraries and participate in authentic reading activities. DREAM actively engages educators and families, ensuring that literacy initiatives serve everyone, from students to parents.
MVOL has transformed reading from a chore to a daily routine for students. The impact extends to parents, who engage in diverse reading promotion strategies. The Reading Promoters programme, initiated by DREAM, creates a cycle of leadership and motivation among students. Younger learners aspire to join the programme, developing their own leadership skills.
For programmes like MVOL, support from stakeholders is crucial. Corporate sponsors and collaborations with the Dominican Ministry of Education, school districts, and public schools have helped DREAM reach thousands. As their core sponsor ended support unexpectedly in 2023, DREAM seeks a lead partner to secure the programme's future.
DREAM's aspiration extends beyond recognition. Their innovative approach aims to improve Dominican students' educational outcomes, nurturing a brighter future for them and their families. DREAM's commitment to sharing tools for development with global communities experiencing extreme poverty promises a brighter, more literate world.
As we celebrate International Literacy Day, DREAM's message to children is simple: "Happy reading!" To parents, community members, and society at large, DREAM extends an invitation: "Let's continually nurture a culture of reading together. It can change lives and improve our entire society."
DREAM's "My Very Own Library" programme exemplifies the transformative power of literacy and the incredible impact it can have on individuals, communities, and the world at large. As we recognize the laureates of the UNESCO International Literacy Prizes 2023, let their stories inspire us to continue promoting literacy and building sustainable, peaceful societies for all.
