Héctor Jerez: “The more we know who we are, the more we empower ourselves and take pride in our roots.”

Latest GFDD publication, All Things Dominican, is presented to students of Tourism Business Administration in Puerto Plata.

In collaboration with the Puerto Plata Destination Cluster and UTESA-Puerto Plata, yesterday GFDD/Funglode presented their latest publication, All Things Dominican, to Tourism Business Administration students at the University, located in this beautiful enclave in northern
Dominican Republic.

Héctor Jerez, academic coordinator gave the welcoming remarks on behalf of the University. “We are grateful that you have chosen this university for the presentation of such an important publication. The more we know who we are, the more we empower ourselves and take pride in our roots.”

Director of the GFDD office in New York, Yamile Eusebio explained to the enthusiastic crowd about GFDD’s work in the United States and Dominican
Republic, then presented the book: “We are delighted to present this book to the tourism students of this University in the hope that it might serve as a reference tool for your studies and that it will enable you to better understand your country from the point of view of culture, environment, customs, tastes…in general, all things Dominican and all that makes us different from other countries.”

During the presentation of various chapters of the book,
Ms. Eusebio involved the audience. After showing them a photo in the book, she asked them to talk about the history of Churcha de Samaná. Arsenio Díaz accepted the challenge and for his effort received a copy of All Things Dominican.  In the chapter about flavors, the question to the audience was “What is the only dish in the world eaten exclusively in our country near Easter?” “Habichuelas con Dulce” (Sweet Cream of Beans),
responded Yamelsy Almonte Peralta, who was also given a copy of the book.

At the end of the activity, Jakaira Cid, Executive Director of the Cluster, spoke. “Thank you for considering the destination of Puerto Plata and bringing these important tools here for everyone. It’s important to learn about one’s own country before learning about others…you don’t love what you don’t know.”

Financial
Director of the Cluster, Graciela González, also thanked GFDD/Funglode, saying “it was very much appreciated to have the Tourism Business Administration students at this activity and it is very important for them to receive material that will help them continue to advance in what they are planning to do with their lives while appreciating and continuing to love our land.”

Related links:
http://publications.globalfoundationdd.org