DU in the DR

Our group was granted a great opportunity to travel the countryside to Arte Cuseco, a community center run by the local women. Partly funded by the USAID, the community center makes jewelry, hosts workshops, and provides a place for kids in the town to hang out and play. We came into the center and sat down at different tables as were were instructed on how to make jewelry. After the instructions, we were free to choose materials off a table to design our jewelry. The materials were made out of items found on the Dominican Island. They were made of shells, tusks, cocoanut shells, and much more. The women sat with us to help organize our ideas. They allowed us to create two pieces and take them home. We had the option to create bracelets, necklaces, and ear rings. Upon completion of our two pieces, there was a gift bag station where we painted our gift bags to store the newly constructed jewelry. After the workshop, our entire group went to their shop below and purchased some jewelry that has already been made. That money will continue to support their operations so that they can be sustainable in the community.