Twinning Project: Dominican Republic

On September 8, two members of the Hemophilia of Georgia’s Junior Board of Directors (Bryce and Elizabeth) visited the Dominican Republic to meet with youth representatives from Fundación Apoyo Al Hemofilico (FAHEM) and to discuss a possible World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH) Youth Group Twinning Project (WHF approval pending). They were able to explore Santo Domingo and experience a small part of their culture. They enjoyed good food, culture, and community with their new Dominican friends.

The purpose of this meeting was to meet face-to-face for the first time and discuss the project. A twining project pairs a developed country’s bleeding disorder organization with a developing country’s organization. Together, they work on the specific needs of the youth from the developing country. Around 25 youth members came from all over the Dominican Republic, eager for the chance to work with HoG’s Junior Board.

Bryce and Elizabeth presented to FAHEM and shared what the junior board does all year long. After the presentation, FAHEM presented and explained how they run things. Both groups exchanged ideas on how they could work together. They came up with three goals for the next two years: formalizing FAHEM’s youth group, capacity building, and advocacy.

The HoG Junior Board and FAHEM are committed to pursuing this twinning project. They are hopeful for WFH approval of the twinning project.