Committed to promoting literacy andeducation in Dominica, DARDA has developed an annual School Supply Drive targeting underprivileged students in villages throughout Dominica.  DARDA willselect a number of students and provide each one with a book bag filled withschool supplies for the entire school year.

This is a great effort and in order to truly be successful, we need your help.  We seek newly purchased school supplies (listed to the right); or monetary donations which will be used to purchase these supplies.  Any amount is greatly appreciated; however, a donation of $25 will sponsor one child as that amount will enable us to purchase every item on the list, thus filling a book bag for a young, eager student.

Donations can be made online via debit/credit card or bank account through PayPal.  To donate now, click the "DONATE" button below

You will receive an email confirmation of your donation as well as a Thank-You letter from DARDA to acknowledge your contribution.

or email Janelle C. McIntyre (Chairperson) at DARDAorg@gmail.com

or contact your local DARDA member listed below:

• Janelle C. McIntyre (203) 522-8136
• Lorna Phillips (516) 775-3693
• Caryl Greaves-Bowen (718) 798-1876
• Daisy and Glen Norris (516) 747-5491
• Franklin and Cecilia McIntyre (302) 834-4464
• Sandra Norris (347) 427-7907
• Hermia and Chev Carrette (516) 565-5015
• Marilyn Garraway (718) 828-4049
• Albert Deschamps (302) 737-0836
• Alison Giraud (516) 485-6112
• Ray Benjamin (718) 842-5353

Donations are tax-deductible!  Most employers match charitable contributions!

In 2011, 107 students from ten different schools received book bags filled with school supplies thanks to the generous donations of DARDA friends and supporters.

Students from Pichelin, Laudat, Delices, Belles, Coulibistrie, Morne Prosper, Morne Jaune, Bagatelle, Newtown, and Wotten Waven primary schools received backpacks with standard school supplies including notebooks, folders, geometry sets, pens, etc. as well as arts & crafts supplies for the younger grades.  In appreciation, DARDA received hand-written letters and pictures from the children.  However, the smiles on their faces are thanks enough!

In 2010, through various donations, DARDA was able to provide 81 students at eight different schools with book bags filled with school supplies. 

Students from Morne Prosper, Morne Jaune, Trafalgar, Wotten Waven, Bagatelle, Grand Bay, Pichelin and Laudat primary schools received book bags filled with standard school supplies including notebooks, folders, loose leaf, and pencil cases filled with pencils, pens, erasers and pencil sharpeners. 

Additional supplies were also included based on grade level.  Grades K-2 received arts & crafts supplies including construction paper, glue, crayons, markers, and safety scissors while grades 3-6 received rulers, highlighters and geometry sets

In 2009, DARDA kicked off its annual School Supply Drive.

Through various generous donations, DARDA was able to provide 60 students at six different schools with book bags filled with school supplies.

Students at Convent Prep, St. Luke’s Primary, St. Mary’s Primary, St. Martin Primary, Roseau Primary and Newtown Primary received book bags filled with school supplies for the full academic year - including notebooks, folders, loose leaf, and pencil cases filled with pencils, pens, erasers and pencil sharpeners and more!

In addition, DARDA was also able to donate several arts & crafts and teaching supplies to the Social Centre Day Care and Pre-School.  The children received art aprons, water color paint & brushes, crayons, markers, safety scissors, and play dough.  DARDA was also able to provide the Social Centre with alphabet & mathematics teaching cards and a large number of books for their library.

DARDA recognizes the value of an education in a child’s growth and development.  We are pleased we were able to provide the necessary tools to assist these young children in their studies and would like to express sincere gratitude to everyone who helped contribute to the success of this year’s School Supply Drive.  We appreciate your support and look forward to your continued kindness and generosity next year.