Luis Diaz, Teacher, Isaac Newton Secondary School in Chihuahua, Mexico I started the program as a volunteer after an invitation by Dr. Thomas Lickona. My students had recently seen a movie on wolves and felt very attached to the omega wolf, the "peacemaker" and often, the escape goat in a pack. They immediately liked the program and even more so because I was the first one to apologize to one of them. On the third day, as I was writing Gandhi's quotation, two of my students began hitting each other. I had them read the quotation and explain it. They saw how it applied to that very moment. I have followed the program at home, and my kids say I myself talk to them differently. They love it. It is really making a difference! Thanks a lot.

TESTIMONIALS FROM THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC GLOBAL PEACEMAKER PROGRAM

Luis Reyes, Florida International University All human beings have infinite experiences in their lives. We all live in need; while helping others. What I have lived these days, is something that has permitted me to grow as a person, it has allowed me to see more of what I had not known of. Everything has been incredible. This Dominican village has opened its heart to me, and the other participants of this international community project. This experience has been like no other. This experience has not only changed my life, but also of the kids of the village. What I did in El Cidral is something I have wanted to do for years in developing countries.
Ariel Fox, Cornell University For me, Service For Peace has allowed for a sense of maturation previously undiscovered in the truly privileged life I live. Prerequisites for the program were few; open mind, willing hands, big heart and lots of bug spray. Language barriers, though frustrating and inevitable, are a blessing when you can placate a child with a lap or a hand or thank a peer with a smile or hug - some things are understood in every language. Thank you to everyone for making this a truly unforgettable experience. Gracias from the bottom of my corazon for all that I am now. Thank you.
Jina Hamad, Irvington High School , New York What a workshop. I came in to it at the beginning tired and cranky from my 24 hours of straight traveling but I am leaving happy and energized. Every morning we'd wake up to Harold coming in, calling us ladies, and making us get up for breakfast. Then off to work, whether it was shoveling, painting or gardening, it was amazing. After a hard day's work, we'd either go to the river and jump off the cliffs or go to the pool and play basketball. Despite the joy that filled me in doing all these activities, the thing which was most moving about our workshop was the relationships I created with the participants as well as the kids. Seeing and playing with the kids day after day really motivated me to work harder and harder, and the support I got from the participants as well as local volunteers had the same effect. I'm sure that I won't forget the wonderful relationships that I created with the kids, participants and citizens of the Dominican Republic ..We will hopefully meet again in the DR in the near future.
Mercedes Perez, Liceo las Caobas, Santo Domingo To express what it means to participate in SFP - it is simply an amazing and unforgettable experience, capable of totally changing your life, the way you think, and the way you act with others. You can share with people that are different, get to know different cultures, languages, personalities while you enjoy helping others to grow..and that sense of service too grows within you and makes you feel super good. To educate is to serve, to serve is to grow!
Li Buessing, Northeastern University This experience will stay with me forever. Never having been to a Third World country before, this trip was an eye opener. It makes me realize how fortunate I am . I made so many friends and we touched so many people's hearts by doing this project. I recommend that everyone does something like this in their lifetime. I hope, if fortune has it, that I will be back next year.
Christine Mangiulli, University of Bridgeport (Elementary Education) In my teaching I will be able to use this experience to let my students know that a place like this exists and that people do not always live as comfortably as we do. I can now raise awareness about developing countries, with confidence, because of this experience. I am now motivated to do more, both within my community and the far-away communities of others. This program has influenced me in so many ways. I will be so honored and proud to share my journey with others.
Diego Rodriguez (Tito), Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo I met new friends and now I have evidence and I am sure that language is not a barrier to establish communication with foreign people. That is why I promise to continue working in all programs of Service for Peace. If I am asked to participate again in the next program, I will do a million times more. When people serve, it always will feel good, since all volunteer actions are accompanied by emotions, since when I serve, I am giving a part of me. I am very thankful for giving me this opportunity to be able to participate in this program.
Jane Mulcahy, Syracuse University I loved the program and my experience as a whole. I enjoyed meeting new people, making new friends, doing service work, getting to know a community, the lectures from the adults, the shopping and beach time, the university visit, the Model UN and much more. I grew and learned so much about myself and I gave back to others at the same time. I'm very appreciative of my experience with Service For Peace.
Rafael Suarez, Universidad Autonoma de Santo Domingo This was the best experience that I have ever had. This was my first time here in this program and this experience filled my heart and soul. I am very grateful to everyone and I hope to see again the faces of all of those I was able to meet. Time passed quickly but some things stay in the heart, and that is the love of everyone. It was a joy to work for my country with such people.