1-705-788-3802
Office Hours (Mon-Fri) 8am - 4pm
228 Chub Lake Road
Huntsville, ON
P1H 1S4
The Muskoka Montessori School is proud to support education initiatives in the Dominican Republic. We currently assist two schools located in the villages of Cangrejo and Pancho Mateo, just outside the city of Puerto Plata. Prior to the establishment of these schools, there were no educational opportunities available for the children in these communities.
The children in these villages are primarily of Haitian descent and, as such, are not recognized by the Dominican government as citizens. This lack of recognition denies them access to public education, healthcare, and basic services. Many families live in extreme poverty, with limited access to clean water, electricity, plumbing, and other essential infrastructure. Employment opportunities are scarce—some residents work in the local landfill sorting resort waste for recycling, while others endure gruelling construction work in the heat to support their families. Frequent flooding worsens living conditions, increases illness, and compounds the challenges these communities face.
Through the Rotary-led organization HHART (Hispaniola Humanitarian Assistance and Relief Team), volunteer Jen Simpson has been visiting these villages for over 11 years. She is often joined by her husband John and their children, Rowan and Calum, both Montessori alumni. HHART believes in the power of education as a pathway out of poverty, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. That’s why they support literacy and education initiatives, especially ones rooted in the Montessori philosophy.
Montessori classrooms have proven to be a powerful model in these communities, meeting children where they are developmentally and linguistically. While Spanish is the primary language of instruction, many students also speak Creole at home and are introduced to English and French at school.
Projects Supported by Muskoka Montessori School
2018 – A community centre in Cangrejo was transformed into a fully functioning Montessori classroom. Volunteers cleaned, painted, and installed plumbing for a kitchen and working toilet. HHART raised $8,000 to supply Montessori materials, shelving, tables, chairs, ceiling fans, lighting, and safe electrical wiring.
2019 – The electrical system was upgraded and solar panels were installed to address the village’s unreliable power supply. Two additional teachers received training.
2020 – A second Montessori classroom opened at the new Amiguitos Community Centre in Pancho Mateo. A second deluxe Montessori materials package was purchased, and a local tradesperson built tables and chairs. HHART also constructed “Blinky,” a play structure for the children.
2021 – At the height of the pandemic, donations provided daily meals for children and seniors in the villages—a tradition that continues today with free lunches for students. Plumbing was further upgraded, rainwater catchment systems were installed, and outdoor handwashing stations were added.
2022 – Additional Montessori materials and art supplies were purchased for both schools. All wooden furniture was treated with termite-resistant paint.
2023 – Sports equipment, balls, and skipping ropes were donated. A Free Little Library was also installed at both schools.
Ongoing Support and Future Plans
Fundraising continues to provide learning materials, school uniforms, ongoing teacher education, and meals. An exciting new project in development is the construction of a playground next to the Pancho Mateo school.
The Muskoka Montessori School is proud to be part of this global partnership and deeply values the connection between our school and these vibrant communities. Through our support, we aim to foster empathy, broaden our students’ perspectives, and uphold our shared belief in the transformative power of education.
