Article Published

Article_Belen Jesuit students build a bridge in the Dominican Republic

School News | Friday, July 15, 2016

Belen Jesuit students build a bridge in the Dominican Republic

 

Missionaries from the 2016 Belen Youth Missions trip sit on top the bridge they built in the village of Batey, Piedra Blanca in the Dominican Republic.

Photographer:

Missionaries from the 2016 Belen Youth Missions trip sit on top the bridge they built in the village of Batey, Piedra Blanca in the Dominican Republic.

MIAMI | In just 10 days, 51 students from Belen Jesuit Preparatory School built a 135-foot bridge in the village of Batey, Piedra Blanca in the Dominican Republic. 

Batey is a small community made up of 125 families and located in the province of Bonao. Before the bridge, villagers had to travel approximately 30 minutes around the river in order to cross it. The construction of the bridge makes it possible for students to get to school faster and with less risk of injury. People in need of emergency medical services are now able to reach a hospital more directly and commerce between other villages is more accessible.

“These young men worked tirelessly and completed a lifesaving bridge in this remote village,” said Octavio Ramos, social studies teacher and Belen Youth Mission chaperone. “They also developed an appreciation of service and camaraderie.”

A total of 65 missionaries — 51 students along with Jesuit Father Frank Permuy and Brother Michael Martinez, four faculty members and eight alumni — traveled June 24-July 3 to serve the people of this impoverished and remote village. The group traveled with medicines, vitamins and building tools used to construct the much-needed bridge.

“The Belen Youth Mission trip was probably one of the best experiences I've ever had in my life,” said junior Frankie Menendez. “The trip wasn't great because of what we did for the community of Batey, it was great because the community of Batey left an everlasting impact on us. These people basically had nothing and yet they would try to give you everything in order for you to be happy."

Enrollment for the Belen Youth Missions opens in mid-January to current juniors.

“To all the boys next year and beyond who are considering taking this trip, you should definitely do it,” said Menendez. “The experience will not only make your relationship with your classmates stronger but it will leave a lasting impact on your life.”

"At first, I went on the trip just to build a bridge, but by the end I left knowing I helped 60 families reach a hospital safely,” said junior Steven Calles. “If you go into it with the mindset of getting the bridge done to get back home, 10 days will feel like 10 months; if you go to give the people of the village the reassurance that they can get a second chance at life if they get sick or hurt, then you are truly going on this mission with goals you not only can reach but exceed."

The Belen Youth Missions have been traveling to the Dominican Republic for 35 years. Belen students eagerly await their junior year to sign up for the trip. Daily Mass, meals as a community, and playing games with the locals help the missionaries establish bonds with one another.

                                                                                  

Powered by Parish Mate | E-system

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply