Students do humanitarian work abroad

SPANISH — The Spanish Cultural Club at Sussex County Technical School in Sparta recently returned from its 11th annual humanitarian and cultural trip to the Dominican Republic.

The highlights of the trip included delivering medical and school supplies and clothing to communities in and around the town of Puerto Plata, located on the northern coast of the country.

The club also participated in community projects including light construction in the Puerto Plata neighborhood of Aguas Negras.

The faculty, staff, and many students at Sussex County Technical School, as well as other members of the community, gave money that was given to the town of Chichigua to be used to fill their communal water tank.

The club also found time to explore the area. The visited a nature preserve, the Cabarete Nature Park. There they were accompanied by a knowledgeable guide who described the native flora and fauna. They also explored caves and even jumped into refreshing underground pools.

This November, the club plans to return to the Dominican Republic to continue projects and strengthen their bonds. During this year they will continue to collect medical and school supplies and clothing.

The community of Aguas Negras is trying to change its name, which means black waters, to a more uplifting and positive name of Nuevo Renacer, meaning new beginning.

Students in Sussex County Technical School’s Graphic Arts shop are creating banners for the neighborhood of Aguas Negras as well as the clinics.