Local Capacity Building
The following VCI initiatives assist communities to develop sustainable, local responses to challenges and opportunities.
Artists and Artisans United of Puerto Plata (AAUPP)
In 2009, VCI partnered with EplerWood International to design and implement a project for the Dominican Sustainable Tourism Alliance. As part of the Puerto Plata Arts and Cultural Heritage Project, funded by USAID, VCI provided technical assistance to more than 100 local artists and artisans, through workshops and exhibitions. VCI worked with local artists to develop Artists and Artisans United of Puerto Plata (AAUPP), an independent, non-profit organization, run by and for Dominican artists. VCI is currently assisting AAUPP in obtaining micro-credit financing for its members.
Instituto Vermont de Puerto Plata (IVPP)
For the past several years, VCI has worked with local leadership in Puerto Plata to develop Instituto Vermont de Puerto Plata (IVPP), an independent, non-profit organization that is assuming management of former VCI initiatives in the region. Through this transition, VCI is providing technical assistance and oversight, with support from the US Embassy in Santo Domingo.
Hoop Activity, as part of DR Local-capacity Building programming