By Mariana Ju, Jennifer Pai
Reporting from Dominican Republic 

In November 2022, a devastating flood struck the Los Rios area in the Dominican capital of Santo Domingo, leaving the community overwhelmed by water and waste. As Tzu Chi volunteers surveyed the disaster zone, they quickly realized that the floodwaters had left not only physical damage but also a vast amount of accumulated trash. The need for cleanup and environmental education became apparent. Determined to help, Tzu Chi introduced sustainable practices, encouraging residents to clean up their homes before distributing much-needed food packages.  

The Aftermath of the Floods and the Rise of Volunteers 

After the flood, Tzu Chi continued supporting the community, returning in December for another cleanup event. They not only provided food packages but also inspired residents to actively participate in these initiatives. By this time, almost ten local volunteers had emerged, eager to assist with Tzu Chi’s environmental efforts. Their efforts expanded beyond their own neighborhood, extending to a local Costa Rican public school where they held weekly recycling days. These volunteers were not just collecting recyclables; they were actively engaging in various community projects, from distributing school supplies to offering dental services. 

Unfortunately, in November 2023, Dominican Republic faced its worst-ever rainfall, causing severe flooding once again. Los Rios was hit hard, with many of the volunteers’ homes also suffering damage. Margarita, a volunteer living on Callejon de Dios, experienced flooding two years in a row. This time, it was even worse. Together with her neighbor Norma, both dedicated environmental volunteers, they witnessed their community in distress yet again. The streets were filled with soaked furniture and debris, and there was no water for cleaning.  

When Tzu Chi volunteer Mariana Ju returned for an assessment, she quickly coordinated with local authorities to dispatch garbage trucks for cleanup. Margarita and Norma, undeterred by their personal losses, rallied their neighbors to join them. At first, many hesitated, merely watching from a distance. But as the volunteers donned gloves, picked up garbage bags, and began the task, more and more neighbors joined. Soon, women, youths, and even children were working side by side, some using carts to speed up the cleanup. 

Building a Recycling Network 

Mariana Ju recalls how the local Costa Rican public school became a crucial environmental hub. Beginning in 2023, the school hosted a weekly recycling day, where local volunteers worked in shifts to receive plastic recyclables from students. To motivate the children, the school turned the recycling effort into a competition. In the first semester, the winning class received new school bags and supplies, while in the second semester, the top student won a tablet. 

As these efforts expanded, more and more volunteers emerged, each contributing in unique ways. Since September 2024, the recycling program has grown so successful that a recycling company is now sending trucks to collect plastic bottles from the community on a weekly basis. Each time, between 600 and 700 pounds of plastic are collected, earning a small yet meaningful income of 4.5 pesos (about USD 0.08) per pound, which is entirely donated to Tzu Chi. 

Volunteers Lead the Way 

Among the volunteers, seven team leaders stood out, each bringing their energy and dedication. The first, Llena, had lived in Los Rios for over thirty years. She has rallied close to 100 residents, both adults and children, to participate in the recycling effort. Adelina, the second team leader, is passionate about community service. She has turned her large front yard into a collection point for recyclables, where local recycling companies provided large bags for storage. When an earthquake struck Hualien, Taiwan, on April 3, 2024, the local volunteers gathered at Adelina’s home to pray for the survivors. Later in August, her home also served as the venue for distributing over 100 school bags and supplies to low-income families in the neighborhood.  

Santa, the third team leader, manages a group of 30 volunteers. With limited storage space, many kept the recyclables on their rooftops or in their homes. Despite the challenges, the group continues their efforts. Tzu Chi volunteers recognized their dedication by providing school bags and supplies. 

A Team Effort for a Greener Los Rios 

 Norma, another team leader, lived on Callejon de Dios. A soft-spoken, devout Christian, she was fully committed to the weekly school recycling days and took every opportunity to promote the message of conserving water, electricity, and protecting the earth. 

Other key figures included Lidia, the recycling coordinator for Los Rios, and Pascuala, a housekeeper who, despite her busy schedule, rallied her neighbors to join the environmental cause. Doña Juana, a 75-year-old grandmother, frequently encourages her neighbors to recycle, noting that since Tzu Chi’s involvement, the volume of recyclables had increased significantly. 

Finally, Unica is another recycling coordinator who lives in Barrio Cuba, a higher area that had been spared the worst of the floods. Despite facing less personal impact, Unica firmly believes that caring for the planet is everyone’s responsibility. 

Looking Ahead: A Shared Vision for a Greener Future 

The Los Rios environmental program, initiated after the 2022 flood, has now reached its two-year milestone. With the consistent efforts of both local and Tzu Chi volunteers, the community’s recycling initiative has flourished. Mariana is deeply grateful for the volunteers' dedication and their enthusiasm for attending environmental training programs. She expressed her hopes for the future, saying, “I look forward to seeing this wonderful community develop another team to push Tzu Chi’s missions forward.”