Author: David Daniel Ramirez Perez

The power of books was felt during the National Book Lovers Day celebrated by the English Immersion Program

With creativity, enthusiasm, and an excellent command of English, students in the English Immersion Program celebrated National Book Lovers Day through an activity that turned reading into a lively and engaging experience.

Over the course of two days, each group transformed their favorite book into an interactive booth—introducing authors, dramatizing key scenes, and sharing the essence of each story with great imagination. The hallways came alive with characters, sets, color, and emotion.

The event was a reflection of the students’ commitment to their learning journey, showing that reading not only enhances language skills but also fosters critical thinking, teamwork, and artistic expression.

Congratulations to all the groups for their dedication and creativity!

The Dominican American Cultural Institute celebrated the Independence of the United States with a Farmers Market

On Wednesday, July 3rd, we held a Farmers Market to commemorate the Independence Day of the United States. The event was open to our entire educational community and welcomed staff members, students, teachers, and visitors, all of whom enjoyed a unique day in true farmer style.

During the celebration, the main campus of our institution transformed into a vibrant space filled with music, recreational activities, traditional food, vendor stations, and a lively, positive atmosphere. The stars of the day were various local entrepreneurs who joined the event to offer natural, handmade products with an authentic flair that delighted everyone in attendance.

Beyond the shopping and flavors, this initiative fostered integration among our community members, supported entrepreneurial talent, and honored a date that holds great significance in American culture—a core part of our identity as a binational center.

We’re grateful to everyone who made this experience possible, from the organizers to each participant who brought the event to life.

The Domínico Americano Holds Its 2025 General Ordinary Assembly of Associates

Last Tuesday, June 17, 2025, the Instituto Cultural Dominico Americano held its General Ordinary Assembly of Associates, a space for dialogue and accountability in which the institutional advances of the year 2024 were presented and new members of the Board of Directors were elected for the period 2025–2027.

The activity was presided over by Mrs. Darys Estrella, president of the Board of Directors, who offered opening remarks highlighting the impact of initiatives developed during the past year and reaffirming the commitment to responsible leadership that guides the mission of Dominico Americano.

During the day, Eng. Ramón Sosa, Executive Director, presented the institutional management report; Mr. Frank Abate, Treasurer, shared financial information based on audited statements; and Mrs. Hilda Patricia Polanco, Secretary of Council, conducted the voting process and validation for the new board composition.

The Executive Committee Board that begins its functions with immediate effect is composed of:

Darys Estrella – President
Lucy Threan de Lamarche – Vice President
Hilda Patricia Polanco – Secretary
Francisco J. Abate Franjul – Treasurer
Darío Lama Reyes – Vice Secretary
Robert Valdez – Vice Treasurer

Additionally forming part are:
Francisco J. Abreu Vitetta, Bassa Isaac Castañeda, Enrique A. Fernández Malla, Marielle Garrido, Jeffrey Johnson, Mari Carmen Orizondo, Leonardo Santoni, Arthur Valdez

We thank all associates who participated actively in this assembly, contributing to strengthening our institution’s mission to promote cultural exchange between the Dominican Republic and the United States.

U.S. Embassy and the Domínico Americano lead Working Group for the Advancement of English in the Dominican Republic

The United States Embassy in Santo Domingo, in collaboration with the Instituto Cultural Domínico Americano (ICDA), held the Working Group for the Advancement of English, a space for inter-institutional dialogue and collaboration focused on strengthening English language teaching in the Dominican Republic.

During this event, held at the ICDA’s main campus, representatives from the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology (MESCyT), universities, research centers, and partner organizations gathered to share initiatives, establish strategic alliances, and outline joint action plans among key stakeholders in the Dominican and U.S. education sectors.

One of the main announcements of the meeting was the availability of funding from the United States Embassy for the development of collaborative English teaching projects, aimed at institutions that promote access to and quality in English language learning.

Additionally, a new joint initiative was presented between the Dominican Institute for Educational Quality Evaluation and Research (IDEICE) and the Domínico Americano University (UNICDA), aimed at analyzing the current state of English in the country, with the goal of generating evidence-based recommendations to influence public policies and training programs.

Through its support of this working group, the Domínico Americano reaffirms its commitment to promoting English as a key tool for academic, professional, and global integration, strengthening its role as a bridge between both nations in the field of education.

The ICDA Language School celebrates its first graduation of the year with more than 220 students

Emotion and pride filled the graduation ceremony of the Language School at the Instituto Cultural Domínico Americano (ICDA), where in two separate ceremonies, diplomas were awarded to graduates of the Playful Learning, Juniors, Adults, and Spanish as a Foreign Language programs. In total, more than 220 students participated in a day full of symbolism, art, and academic commitment.

The event was opened by Mrs. Lucy Threan Lamarche, Vice President of the ICDA Board of Directors, and Mr. Robert Valcin, Director of the Language School, who both offered warm words of welcome. Professor Wilson Montilla Kelly, representing the teaching staff, congratulated the students for their perseverance and dedication.

One of the most anticipated moments was the recognition of outstanding students, including Zoe Clauddette Custodio Hernández (Advanced Junior), Farah Isabella Dicent Agüero (Advanced Junior), María José Colás (Advanced Adult), Josué Rafael de los Santos Cruz (Advanced Adult), and Alceni Oliveira Da Silva (Spanish Program), who delivered heartfelt speeches filled with gratitude, fulfilled dreams, and hope for the future.

The ceremony also featured a special artistic performance by the Domínico Americano Mixed Choir, directed by Maestro Viterbo Peña, adding a unique touch to the celebration.

The diploma presentation was a deeply emotional moment, with family and friends proudly applauding each student. The ceremony concluded with a symbolic oath, reaffirming the graduates’ commitment to learning and excellence.