Dates:  March 9-16, 2013

Cost: $1,450 (subject to change)

Cost includes all transportation from Gettysburg campus to and from project sites, accommodations, meals, and project supplies.

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Overview:

In 2010, Gettysburg College initiated a new Immersion Project in the Dominican Republic, based on interest students had in the issues surrounding Haitians living in the DR. Part of this interest was sparked by the viewing of the filmThe Price of Sugar which documents the Haitian immigrant involvement in the production of sugar in the DR, and the poor working and living conditions in the bateys (sugar cane villages) which are systematically enforced because of “antihaitianismo,” a culturally accepted discrimination against Haitians.

This project works with Rancho Campeche in San Cristobal, an organization dedicated to uplifting and educating the most vulnerable members of society. Rancho Campeche is a cultural stronghold with deep roots in poor surrounding rural communities. They seek to heighten quality of life through improvements in village infrastructures and basic quality education while being ambassadors of Dominican folklore and traditional music. Our hosts include Xiomara Fortuna, a famous local musician and an expert in African Caribbean mixes of musical heritage and Dominican Folklore. With Rancho Campeche, participants on this project will visit local bateys to learn about the poor conditions experienced by the Haitians and Dominicans living there. In addition, participants will learn about how the music, dances, and rituals of Afro-Dominican culture have helped propel the fight against social injustices.