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The Patronato Benéfico Oriental, Inc. (PBO) celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, marking five decades of uninterrupted work in support of children, youth, and families in vulnerable situations. Over the years, it has become one of the most established and impactful nonprofit organizations in the eastern region of the Dominican Republic.

Founded on February 7, 1976, by Xiomara Dájer de Menéndez, together with a group of women from the community of La Romana, PBO emerged as a compassionate response to the social needs of the time. Following the passing of Father Abreu in 1977, the organization assumed responsibility for continuing and formally structuring this social initiative, progressively expanding its reach and strengthening its model of care.

Over the past five decades, the Patronato Benéfico Oriental has developed a comprehensive support model that begins in early childhood and extends into adulthood, ensuring educational continuity and real opportunities for development. At the heart of this model is Hogar del Niño, where children from birth receive holistic care that combines education, nutrition, medical and dental services, psychological support, and family guidance.

In response to the challenges of the modern world, PBO has incorporated an innovative approach to technology and hands-on learning through its Makerspace, a space designed for children and youth to develop skills in science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics (STEAM). In this environment, students learn to create, experiment, and solve problems, strengthening key competencies for the 21st century while fostering a culture of innovation and critical thinking.

As part of its commitment to comprehensive development, PBO supports its students throughout their entire educational journey. Those who complete their schooling with high academic achievement receive scholarships to national universities, allowing them to pursue advanced university or technical studies. Others receive practical training through the PBO Technical Institute (ITPBO), where technical courses are offered to facilitate rapid workforce integration and provide access to dignified and sustainable employment opportunities.

This educational and social model has also been replicated and adapted in vulnerable communities, such as Isla Saona, bringing educational services and comprehensive support to areas with limited access to opportunities and reaffirming PBO’s commitment to generating impact beyond its immediate surroundings.

In terms of institutional sustainability, the organization has also promoted initiatives such as Diagnóstica Social, a medical diagnostic center that generates its own resources and reinvests them directly into social programs, strengthening the continuity and expansion of its mission.

Throughout these 50 years, Patronato Benéfico Oriental, Inc. has directly impacted thousands of Dominican families, positioning itself as a national benchmark in social management, educational innovation, and commitment to human development.

The celebration of this anniversary not only recognizes the journey accomplished but also reaffirms PBO’s commitment to continue shaping new generations through education, values, technological skills, and real opportunities to build a better future.

With pride and excitement, Hogar del Niño celebrates the outstanding performance of its students in the prestigious international educational robotics competition, FIRST LEGO League (FLL) 2025, organized by the Ministry of Education of the Dominican Republic (Minerd) and the Foundation for the Development of Science and Technology (Fundecitec).

Our teams, TechnoKids and Synergy, stood out among more than 1,300 students nationwide, showcasing creativity, teamwork, and a strong passion for innovation. The TechnoKids team was awarded the Explore Showcase prize, while Synergy earned third place in Robot Design in the Challenge category, reaffirming Hogar del Niño’s commitment to STEAM education and the development of 21st-century skills.

As recognition for their effort, the students were invited to a national gathering with the Minister of Education, alongside other outstanding teams from across the country. At this emotional event, they shared their experiences with their families, received motivational words from the Minister, and each team member was gifted a laptop, a tangible acknowledgment of their talent, discipline, and enthusiasm.

In addition, some of our students participated in a special interview on Radio Educativa Dominicana, where they shared their learnings, ideas, and dreams serving as inspiration for children and youth across the country.

The 2025 edition of FLL is themed “Submerged”, a challenge that encourages exploration of the underwater world and promotes ocean conservation. Our students embraced this mission with creativity and ingenuity, designing solutions to protect marine life and raise awareness about caring for the planet.

This achievement represents far more than just an award, it reflects the powerful impact that comprehensive education and continuous support can have in the lives of our children and youth.

At Hogar del Niño, we continue to invest in the future with purpose, innovation, and hope. 💡🌊🤖

La Romana, Dominican Republic – On Saturday, February 22, 2025, the traditional appreciation dinner was held to honor the generous donors of the Phyllis Berney Adopt-A-Crib Program, benefiting Hogar del Niño. The event, organized by Mrs. Xiomara Menéndez and her husband Ramón at La Marina Riverside, Casa de Campo, brought together dedicated supporters committed to ensuring the well-being and education of more than 2,000 children.

Founded in 1998 by Mrs. Phyllis Berney, this program has become the primary source of funding for the center, ensuring the continuity of essential services such as nutrition, medical care, psychological support, and innovative education with a technological focus. Thanks to this initiative, Hogar del Niño has expanded and improved its facilities, solidifying its position as the most comprehensive educational and social center in the Dominican Republic.

Over the past 27 years, the program has raised more than $24,300,000, with a record-breaking contribution of over $2 million in the past year alone. Inspired by Mrs. Berney’s vision, who believed that “Hogar del Niño is the heartbeat that brings hope for the future,” donors have helped thousands of children receive the care and quality education they deserve.

“Adopting a crib is investing in the future.” – Phyllis Berney

About Hogar del Niño

Hogar del Niño welcomes more than 2,000 children and young people daily, from newborns to 18 years old. It is the only institution in La Romana and surrounding areas that offers inclusive education, integrating deaf children and those with special needs. In addition to academic training, each student receives three daily meals, medical and dental care, psychological evaluations and support, as well as access to extracurricular activities such as sports, arts, and dance.

La Romana, February 15, 2025 – The Patronato Benéfico Oriental, Inc. (PBO) successfully held the 28th edition of its traditional Hogar del Niño Weekend, a charity event that brought together hundreds of people at Casa de Campo to participate in various sports competitions and recreational activities.

With over two decades of history, this event aims to raise funds for the development of educational, social, and health programs at Hogar del Niño, benefiting more than 2,000 children and young people in La Romana.

A Social and Sports Impact Event

During the event, Xiomara Menéndez Dájer, president of PBO, expressed her deep gratitude to the families, friends, and sponsoring companies that make this initiative possible each year.

“Thanks to your support, we achieve positive changes in the lives of the most vulnerable children,” she emphasized.

The exclusive La Romana Country Club hosted the Scramble-format Golf Tournament, as well as the Mixed Round-Robin Tennis and Padel Tournaments, making these competitions even more exciting, along with Pickleball matches. Despite heavy rains that forced some competitions to be rescheduled to Sunday, February 16, participants enjoyed a weekend filled with excitement and solidarity.

Golf Tournament Winners

Longest Drive – Women: Sansra Belley

Closest to the Pin – Women: Josefina Pichardo

Longest Drive – Men: Juan Nolasco

Closest to the Pin – Men: Santiago Hazim

Overall Standings

🏆 First Place: Rossina Pacheco Torruella, Enrique Torruella, Ricardo Jiménez, and John Shapiro

🏆 First Gross Score: Santiago Hazim, Frank Álvarez, Otto Guerrero, and Daniel Dalet

🥈 Second Place: Luis De León, Héctor Hill, Giancarlo Frías, and John Paul Jones

🥉 Third Place: Mary Ledesma, Neo Rodríguez, Nicolo Solzi, and Andrés García

Racket Tournament Winners

Tennis

• Group 1 – Champions: Carlos Castro & Mario Brouillete

• Group 1 – Runners-up: Carlos A. Pina & Roger Day

• Group 2 – Champions: Homero De Pool & Erin Clayton

• Group 2 – Runners-up: Brian Day & Rodrigo Cáceres

Pickleball

• Champions: Kevin Sotolongo & Robert Quíles

• Runners-up: Inti Pallares & Diego González Bunster

Padel

• First Place: Adriano Lachini & Johanna Martínez-Lima

• Second Place: Francis Redman & Anggie Berges

Activities & Event Finale

Beyond the sports competitions, attendees enjoyed a variety of activities, including Yoga, Sip & Paint, a Kids’ Camp, a Charity Bazaar, a Pool Party, and the highly anticipated Sunset Cocktail.

The event concluded with a vibrant celebration featuring live music from a DJ, a jazz performance, and an impressive drone show that lit up the sky over Casa de Campo, providing a magical closing to this year’s Hogar del Niño Weekend.

“Thanks to the friends and companies that support us, we can continue sharing our mission and achievements. With your backing, we guarantee a bright future for these children,” concluded Xiomara Menéndez Dájer.

About Patronato Benéfico Oriental, Inc. (PBO)

PBO is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the education, health, and well-being of vulnerable children and young people in the Dominican Republic. Through various initiatives and events like Hogar del Niño Weekend, PBO continues to transform lives and build a better future for the community.