Indomitable Spirit!

Serve To LEAD works in partnership with communities around the globe to support change from the inside, out. This summer, our team spent time in the Dominican Republic participating in phase 3 of our ongoing community septic project. Earlier this year, STL community partners Ambiorix Cina (pictured above, right) and Marc Nicoleau (pictured above, left) planned and proposed the construction of a septic project for the village of Pancho Mateo in the Dominican Republic. This batey, built in 1963 to house Haitian sugar cane cutters, has lacked proper sanitation and water since its beginning. Marc reflects on life in Pancho Mateo and Serve To LEAD’s development work…

“This is a dream come true for my community and me. Ever since I was a child, I saw that our community was among the poorest. I knew that we had many needs, but somehow we have never been able to fix this. Now, something that has been a goal of mine since I was 17 years old is becoming a reality! I have kept this hope alive for the past twelve years. Now, Serve To LEAD is working with us to build a community septic and to install in-home bathrooms. My community has never had bathrooms! For those who have never used a decent bathroom, they can hardly believe the change that has come. 

I am happy to be part of this project for my community. Currently, we have completed nine bathrooms and have seventeen more to complete. I want to thank each and every one of the Serve To LEAD team. I am hoping to continue this excellent work for my community and many others that share these dreams of change.”

Marc is a Serve To LEAD World Changer! He exemplifies indomitable spirit. What dream do you have to change something within yourself or your community? Follow Marc’s example— remain hopeful and take action to bring that dream to reality.