In the remote mountain communities of Manabao in the Dominican Republic, daily life is shaped by both the beauty and the challenges of isolation. For many residents, access to healthcare and basic necessities is limited by distance and difficult terrain. In June 2024, a collaborative effort brought much-needed medical care and food assistance to these communities, offering not just material support but also a sense of connection and hope.
Building Trust and Understanding Local Needs
The journey began with a partnership between the Fundación Jiminian, led by Dr. Louis, and local volunteers. Recognizing the importance of understanding the community’s unique needs, teams of volunteers, including those from Tzu Chi, joined local helpers to conduct home visits and register families in need.
To reach some of the most isolated homes, volunteers crossed swaying suspension bridges and navigated winding mountain paths. Many of the families visited were elderly individuals living alone or households with members facing illness. The careful registration process ensured that the upcoming food distribution would reach those most in need.
During one visit, volunteer-in-training Carol and her team met a woman in her nineties who insisted on brewing coffee for her guests in the traditional way. The warmth of her hospitality left a lasting impression on the volunteers, and when they met again on distribution day, it felt like a reunion of old friends.
Preparing for the Day of Giving
With the needs identified, volunteers began preparing 250 food packages. The supplies were delivered to a local school the day before the event, allowing for an early start and efficient setup. Abraham, a driver who has supported many such efforts, joined in to help transport and unload the goods, demonstrating the spirit of shared purpose that defined the entire operation.
The evening before the outreach, volunteers gathered for a simple meal prepared by Nacisa, the chef from the La Romana hot meal program, and offered prayers for a smooth and successful event.
A Day of Care: Medical Outreach and Food Distribution
On June 14, volunteers from Monte Plata, La Romana, and Santo Domingo arrived at the school in Manabao. As the sun rose, they arranged the food packages in the school’s basketball court and set up a dental clinic with equipment transported by local volunteers. Aliocy, a young volunteer soon to study at Tzu Chi University in Taiwan, took on the role of logistics coordinator, demonstrating both dedication and potential as a future leader.
By 9 a.m., community members had gathered, eager for both medical consultations and the food packages. Mariana Ju (朱瑤琳), head of Tzu Chi Dominicana, introduced the story of the “Bamboo Bank Era,” a tradition of saving small amounts for charity, inspiring many to participate.
Dr. Louis explained that the outreach was a joint effort between Fundación Jiminian and the United Love Foundation, with medical services covering dentistry, cardiology, family medicine, pediatrics, ophthalmology, and endocrinology. The dental equipment, donated by the Tzu Chi International Medical Association (TIMA) in the United States and maintained by Dr. Silverio Hsu (許竣淵), enabled the team to provide care to those who had never seen a dentist before.
The first dental patient was Lisa, a 15-year-old girl who had never received dental care due to the lack of resources in the area. Although she needed a tooth extraction, her overall dental health was better than expected. Francis, a nursing student and volunteer-in-training, assisted with the dental procedures, while Pascuala, an environmental volunteer from Los Rios, helped guide patients through the process.
Stories of Resilience and Connection
The distribution of food packages was carefully coordinated to ensure that everyone received both medical care and supplies. Volunteers assisted elderly recipients, including Juana, an octogenarian caring for her bedridden son. When asked how she coped, Juana replied, “God always sends angels to watch over me. The volunteers are like angels who come into my home.” Her optimism moved the team deeply. On the day of the event, volunteers made sure to deliver supplies directly to her home, given her age and distance from the venue. Her son had recently undergone surgery and was beginning his recovery, and the volunteers wished him a swift return to health.
The outreach also fostered new connections. Through Dr. Louis, volunteers met Ernesto, director of Clinica Alma Ata in Santo Domingo, opening the door for future collaboration to benefit even more communities.
Planting Seeds of Hope
By the end of the day, nearly 900 people had received food assistance, and over 240 had accessed medical care, including 42 dental patients. The team included seven certified volunteers, two trainee volunteers, one observer, and thirty local community volunteers. The event was not just about distributing goods or providing medical care—it was about planting seeds of hope and building relationships that will continue to grow.
As one volunteer reflected, “Those who suffer cannot always come to us, so those who are able must go to them.” The journey across bridges and mountain roads was more than a physical passage—it was a journey of compassion, bringing love and care to those who need it most.
Written by Mariana Ju (朱瑤琳)
Source: 攜手有緣人山區義診 多明尼加發放動人心
