From June 4th to 11th, a training meeting for the new regional Volunteer Corps members was held. Jennifer Orozco from the Guatemala team, Jacqueline Leduc from the New York team, Fanny Laime, and Claudia Quisbert from the Bolivia team, along with Taina Milien and Alix Denis from the Haiti team, are all second-year Volunteer Corps members. They participated in the ‘Reinforcing Commitment’ group, sharing experiences, questions, and reflections from their first years as members of the Volunteer Corps. As part of their teams, they took on responsibilities in project implementation and engaged directly with families in the communities where ATD Fourth World carries out its activities.

The first in-person meeting was planned as an opportunity for participants to connect and build a support network. Initially set for November 2023 in Haiti, it had to be postponed because of political and social instability. This situation prevented Taina and Alix from traveling to complete the required visa procedures, and the group decided that everyone should be included. Ultimately, as the meeting could not be postponed any longer, it was decided that it would be held in the free trade zone between Dajabón in the Dominican Republic and Ouanaminthe in Haiti. This free zone, which is open to Haitians, made it easier for the entire group to meet.

“I understand it was a major challenge for Taina and me to participate in this meeting due to the difficulties Haitians face in traveling abroad. But despite everything, thanks to everyone’s will and determination, we were able to participate. I was fortunate to be able to take part in this training meeting, along with other regional volunteers who are at the same level, with the support of the Regional Delegation.” Alix

It is essential to remember that ATD Fourth World is based on the principle of leaving no one behind. This principle is evident in actions with isolated families living in extreme poverty, but it also takes shape during moments of training and mutual learning, such as this meeting in the Dominican Republic.

“For me, ATD Fourth World wanted us to approach volunteering with greater knowledge and understanding, helping us better evaluate our work as Volunteer Corps members, both now and in the future. This meeting was an opportunity to connect with new volunteers across the region, share our journeys, and reflect on our experiences. We learned about ATD’s work in other countries, the challenges faced by families, and their incredible efforts to survive. In short, it allowed us to build connections with others on similar paths, and to share and learn together. This meeting not only expanded our perspectives but also strengthened us and deepened our commitment as Volunteers Corps members.” Taina

All options were explored to ensure every member from this year-long training could meet in person, demonstrating the commitment to a united Volunteer Corps where everyone learns together. Activity with meeting attendees

“To me, being invited to this meeting by ATD Fourth World shows their effort to strengthen connections between Corps members from Latin America and the Caribbean, united by the same cause in different areas. On the other hand, it is a sign that we are making progress in the Volunteer Corps […]. This meeting was held to learn from each other and share experiences so as to empower ourselves with better resources […]. Each experience we acquire is a source of nourishment that can motivate us to work alongside others without leaving anyone, and I mean no one, behind. We have the obligation to stand by everyone without distinction.” Alix