Our unique short-term and long-term programs give volunteers the opportunity to come face to face with global issues and become part of productive solutions. We are the sister foundation of Fundación para la Prevención y la Salud Bucal de los Niños, "SONRISAS". SONRISAS is an exceptional pioneer in rendering dental and education services to the Dominican people. Together we have targeted health care, education and social development as the focus of our work.
Smiles Foundation has:

To participate in a Smiles Foundation Volunteer Program you must: be enrolled or have obtained some form of post-secondary education. be 21 years of age or older. have a basic knowledge of Spanish be in good health.

Year-round work & progress

Continuity is the key to long-term progress. That is why we have continuing monthly programs in Dominican Republic, rather than occasional programs. When one volunteer leaves, a new volunteer comes and continues the work. In this way, each volunteer contributes to sustained social development.

Substantive work

Our volunteers engage in vital humanitarian work. They provide dental treatment, give lectures on health care, teach English to adults and school children, stimulate small business activities, initiate programming with women's empowerment groups, observe and assist local doctors, explore different treatments for simple ailments and perform many more important tasks.

Why participate?

• to discover other country, other culture, other way of life and broaden one's horizon

• to better understand the world we live in and the local, national and international development issues

• to acquire new skills in areas such as communications, cross-cultural relations, organization, leadership, teamwork and fundraising

• to gain new work experiences in fields such as international co-operation, cross-cultural relations, small business, community work, education, agriculture, media

• to learn a second or third language

• to forge bonds of friendship and solidarity with people from around the world

• to get involved, be active and to help change the world