It was through our extensive walking trips in the Samana Peninsula of the Dominican Republic, that we came across a charming small village called Agua Sabrosa (tasty water).

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It seemed a poor and quite a neglected community, however, the villagers we met were welcoming and easy going.

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But what really took our hearts were the kids, running wild half naked and so curious about us extranjeros (strangers).

In 2008, inspired by the ideas of our friend in
New York, Ms. Marlee-Jo Jacobson, we officially founded Fundación Marlee-Jo.

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We first bought a land in the center of the village and built a modest shed for our activities.
When we grew bigger, we built a house for the kids, which serves as a recreation center where they can study, play, and engage in a variety of activities.

 

Our main focus is on a group of around 80 children between the ages of 2 and 18.
We believe in education combined with playing and having fun.
Our activities include practice of reading and writing, math, art sessions, hiking and we already have a reputation for throwing the best parties in the region.

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Although charming and cheerful, the children of Agua Sabrosa lack many things that are considered basic needs to every child in the modern world, like proper education, health and dental care, clothes, balanced meals and toys.

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Above all, they will probably grow up to be poor illiterate villagers unless given the opportunity to change their current situation.

We want to give them that opportunity !! 
And we believe that with our guidance they can make a material change in their lives.
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Fundacion Marlee-Jo is registered as a non-for-profit organization in the Dominican Republic.
RNC # 430076635.