In Los Róbalos, a community of 4,000 inhabitants in Samaná, Dominican Republic, we have been promoting community and educational activities that combine environmental care with development. Some time ago, the children of the environmental committee at the María Altagracia Beevers school had an unforgettable experience.
Despite living just a few meters from the Bay of Samaná—one of the few places in the world where humpback whales give birth to their calves each year—many of these children and young people had never seen one. As part of The House Project’s environmental program, they participated in activities focused on ocean care, such as a beach cleanup, a visit to the whale museum, and finally, the exciting humpback whale watching.
More than 400 million tons of plastic are produced worldwide every year, much of which ends up polluting rivers, seas, and ecosystems. – UNEP 2025
95% of the solid waste in the Dominican Republic ends up in open-air landfills. Many of these materials can reach the sea, polluting coastal ecosystems such as the Bay of Samaná. – United Nations 2025
Before this adventure, they enjoyed a workshop with environmentalist experts who created Kai, an illustrated book about the sea that uses storytelling and playful activities to teach children that the ocean is not just water—it’s the home of whales and a source of life for all.
“I felt like I was swimming and playing with the whale,” one child shared. Another said: “I learned that we must recycle and reuse so nature can be free.” And another added: “I learned that we must pick up the trash in the environment.” The emotions were as powerful as the lessons learned.
These kinds of experiences show that connecting children with nature awakens not only knowledge, but also responsibility and commitment. We want to repeat this experience with more girls and boys from the community… and with your support, we can make it happen. Help here
If you have ideas or questions, write to us at: carolina@thehouse-project.org
Carolina Plata
Project Management
The House Project
