Author: David Daniel Ramirez Perez

The Instituto Cultural Domínico Americano expands its presence in Santo Domingo Norte with a new campus in Villa Mella

Santo Domingo Norte, Dominican Republic – September 9, 2025. The Instituto Cultural Domínico Americano (ICDA) inaugurated the 15th campus of its Language School in Villa Mella, operating within the facilities of the ABC Educational Center, located at Calle 14 No. 3, Urb. Villa Nueva. With this opening, the institution reaffirms its commitment to orderly and sustainable growth, as outlined in its 2024–2026 Strategic Plan, bringing English language learning closer to more communities.

The opening ceremony was attended by local authorities, directors of the ABC Educational Center, members of ICDA’s academic and administrative teams, students, parents, and representatives of the media.

During the event, Engineer Ramón Sosa, Executive Director of the Instituto Cultural Domínico Americano, stated: “Last year, we opened another campus in this same province, on Jacobo Majluta Avenue, at the Ibero-American School of Santo Domingo. Today, by adding this new location in Villa Mella, we reaffirm our confidence in the development of Santo Domingo Norte and in the great potential of its people. Villa Mella is a symbol of tradition, culture, and progress—but also of youth and future. That’s why our presence here aims to support this community in its growth, offering language training that translates into more and better opportunities.”

ICDA’s Language School offers programs designed for children, teenagers, and adults, with an educational model focused on effective communication, the use of innovative methodologies, and the support of a highly qualified teaching staff.

With this inauguration, the Instituto Cultural Domínico Americano adds Villa Mella to its network of campuses in the National District, Santo Domingo East, Santo Domingo North, San Pedro de Macorís, La Romana, Higüey, Baní, San Francisco de Macorís, La Vega, Puerto Plata, and virtual programs—reaffirming its pioneering role in English language education and cultural exchange.

Germán García presents his 28th art exhibition at the ICDA

El pasado 1 de septiembre inauguramos en el ICDA Art Gallery la 28ª exposición individual del maestro Germán García, un artista con casi cinco décadas de trayectoria que ha llevado su obra a más de 20 países.

Germán, oriundo de San Cristóbal y formado en la Escuela Nacional de Bellas Artes, regresó a nuestra institución después de casi 40 años de haber presentado aquí su exposición “20 Obras para Coleccionistas” en 1985.

En esta ocasión nos presenta 30 piezas recientes, en formatos pequeños y medianos, donde emergen criaturas imaginarias que reflejan la naturaleza, la contaminación y la urgencia de cuidar nuestro entorno.

La exposición estará abierta al público hasta el 30 de septiembre en el ICDA Art Gallery. ¡Te invitamos a visitarla y dejarte inspirar por el color y la fuerza creativa de este gran maestro!

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.