El Mundo Mejor Orphanage
MONTHLY SHOPPING TRIP.
2013 Editor’s note! Since this post was written the management has changed and Carlos and his wife are no longer employed there 
The orphanage is still there and you can still visit – see info at end of this post…
March 4th 2010: Every month between the 1st and 4th Punta Cana residents Mike Fisher and his wife Tania do a monthly food shopping trip to stock the kitchen of the El Mundo Mejor Orphanage in Higuey. “El Mundo Mejor” means in English “A Better World”. This month PuntaCanaTV joined them.
We set off on the 40 minute drive to Higuey where we went to the large supermarket Iberia. Here the prices are much lower than in Punta Cana. The shopping budget of 100$US per month must feed 17 growing boys and two adult careworkers plus cover other sundries like washing powder and cleaning products. Invariably it is not enough and is topped up from Mike & Tania’s own pockets.
Editor’s update: the orphanage used to receive 100$US per month from Beyond The Beach Children’s Foundation in 2010. From 2011 onwards it no longer has this support and it relies solely on the generosity of any donations it might receive.
Look who we bumped into in the supermarket – Punta Cana Mike who was stocking up on his favorite Belgium chocolates. Many visitors to Punta Cana will already know PCMike from his unique excursions.
left: Tania, PC Mike, Mike Fisher | right: loaded up with shopping
Shopping mission accomplished we headed out to the orphanage a 10 minute drive away. The orphanage building, Villa Cerro, is named after the Higuey barrio (neighbourhood) it’s located in. On arrival we were warmly greeted by the two care workers and the children who eagerly gathered round to help unload the shopping. I was struck by the charmingly polite and welcoming manner of the children, for sure they’ve met a few gringos in their time but nothing in their manner was forced or fake. Mike also brought along a suitcase full of goodies for the kids, donated by a recent Punta Cana vacationer, which went down a storm.
El Mundo Mejor Orphanage in Higuey, Punta Cana
unpacking and distributing donated goodies
balloons and flashing glasses were a big hit with the kiddies – glasses modeled by Chiquito the youngest boy at 4yrs old
The orphanage is run by care keepers Carlos Espiritusantos and his wife Ernestina Silvestre. It currently homes 17 boys aged between 4 and 14. In the past there were as many as 26 boys living there. Most of the kids have been abandoned by their parents. But here they have a chance to be part of a loving family.
The younger children are schooled on the premises and the older ones attend school in Higuey. Apart from academic studies the children are taught moral values with discipline and affection to put them on the straight path for their journey into adulthood. By the age of 18 they will have learnt a trade and be able to work and live independently.
Carlos gave me a guided tour of the premises. The rooms had recently been spruced up and painted by Mike & Tania and Rod & Rachel (frequent visitors from Canada). The whole place was clean, light and airy and surprisingly tidy – no clothes left lying on the floor here. The kitchen now has a bigger stove which makes cooking much easier for Ernestina. Some boys were helping to wash dishes – they all have house duties to perform. There is a large dining area, a classroom come TV room (complete with huge TV screen! an incredibly generous gift from a Bavaro resident), a small quiet study room, two large bathrooms, two dormitories and Carolo’s and Ernestina’s small, humble bedroom with another room ensuite where the 3 youngest kiddies sleep.
Upstairs on the flat roof are a couple of old fashioned washing machines (twin tubs). I can’t imagine how long it takes Ernestina to do the weekly load for 19 people. Also up here is a rudimentary workshop where the boys learn woodwork and furniture renovation skills. Yefrey, the oldest at 14, proudly showed me the wooden money box he’d crafted.
laundry and workshop – Yefrey (far right) perfecting his carpentry skills
The care workers Carlos and Ernestina are originally from San Pedro de Macoris. They have 3 children of their own who are all grown up now. They are only rewarded 5000rd (140$US) a month for their work. They do it out of love and devotion to the children. They are Christians in the true sense without judgement or condemnation of others, perfect role models for their young charges. They very rarely get a day off, and only one of them at a time can visit their family back in San Pedro whilst the other stays and cares for the boys.
left: children of El Mundo Mejor Orphanage – right: Care workers Carlos Espiritusantos and his wife Ernestina Silvestre
After spending a few hours talking and hanging out with the kids it was time to say our good byes and head back to Punta Cana. It was great for the soul to be surrounded by so much laughter and enthusiasm for life, definitely a morning well spent. To all you unsung Punta Cana vacationers who’ve helped these kiddies in the past – we’d like to let you know your support has a real and positive impact on these youngsters.
The orphanage exists on donations from residents and tourists. It’s uplifting to know there are people like Mike Fisher & Tania who quietly go about giving their time and attention to helping these kids and many others in the Punta Cana community.
To see more photos of our day at the orphanage see our PuntaCanaTV Facebook Page warning: site contains photos of some seriously cute kiddies 
Map El Mundo Mejor Orphanage Higuey
Visting the orphanage on your own:
If you want to meet the children and visit the orphanage we recommend you organise your own transport / taxi with IBK Servicios, they have reliable and professional English speaking drivers who are very familiar with the orphanage and who will also take you for a tour of Higuey if pre-arranged eg. to see the Basilica and the market. Round trip costs around 50$US for a mini-van and driver and takes around 4-5 hours in total. They’ll collect you from your hotel, drive 40 minutes to Higuey where you can tour the Basilica and market, stop at Iberia supermarket to buy supplies for the kids (the drivers can call the orphanage to find out what food & supplies are needed that day). Then visit the orphanage to deliver your donations and meet the kids and carers.
Contact IBK’s owner Bronly de Jesus on:
email: ibkservicios@gmail.com
Tel: 809 299 0582.
IBK drivers will also collect donations if you are using them for your airport transfers.
Hi Yumi, this article is excellent. I had the honour of shopping and visiting the orphange in February with Mike and Tania (special friends). These boys and caretakers are so very lucky to have Mike and Tania at their side along with the generous donations of travellers and Beyond the Beach Foundation (I’m a member too).
I have many pics and videos also of my visit there, many of the pics were taken by the boys themselves and I couldn’t of done a better job of portraying the orphanage as you have done. These boys are so happy and are lucky to have a place like this and have each other.
Thanks for bringing awareness to the “project” as like you said Mike & Tania do this on their own without wanting to be in the spotlight or bring attention to themselves.
Cheers, Debbie
Hola Debbie
Thank you for your kind comments. As you said we hope the article brings more awareness to this project – and the many others like it.
Hope to meet you on your next trip to Punta Cana!
hasta luego
Yumi
Great article.yumi
mike and tania are very special people.what a life achievement. great article. thank you for bringing my attention to it.
I am SO happy to run across this blog! I am headed to Punta Cana this week and was looking for an orphanage to help out in, or at least a contact name for someone who can lead me in the right direction – and your post gave me both! thank you, thank you, thank you! I’ve already sent Mike an email!
Looking forward to blogging about my own experience there… stay tuned if interested! http://dynamictraveler.wordpress.com!
Cheers!
Hi Sherry
Glad to have been of help! Just to let you know the orphanage was in need of some towels when I last spoke with them. I realise they are a bulky item and take up suitcase space, but even just 1 would help them.
Have a great time in Punta Cana!
all the best
Yumi
Yumi – thanks for the info. I am HERE… but how do I get in touch with them? or find out where they are located? I am “stuck” on a resort and need to figure out how to get to the orphanage. Any info is helpful!
thanks so much!!
Sherry
Hi Sherry – I’ve emailed you.
Yumi,
It was such a pleasure meeting you, and would have been even more enjoyable had we been able to get together sooner! Thank you, thank yoy, thank you – for your efforts in getting me to the orphanage. While it didn’t work out this time, I look forward to next! And thank you for bringing the kids those rubix cubes! I hope they enjoy them!! It’s the least I could do!
Best to you – stay in touch!
Sherry
Mike and Tania, you guys are the bests! Great website Yumi!
J.
Hey, when my family and I went to Punta Cana, we helped them out as well. And before we left, I had promised them to make a website for them to get more visitors to help them, anyways I am almost done, but I had forgotten their address and phone number, so I was wondering if I could get it from here.
Thank you so much,
Sebastian
Hi Sebastian, have sent you the info.
Great website you have made for the boys http://higuey-orphanage.webs.com
You’re parents must be proud of you! Well Done and keep up the good work!
Hi, I am headed to Punta Cana August 18 – 21 and am collecting items to bring for the orphanage. Are there any items that you need more of that can be helpful? I am so looking forward to meeting you all.
Rhonda
Hi Rhonda – thanks for taking an interest in the orphanage.
Contact Mike Fisher on email: helpkids@mikesmarina.info
He is in regular contact with the orphanage and can better advise you as to what the boys are in need of.
http://www.mikesmarina.info/dominicankids.html
and have a great time in Punta Cana!
Hola Yumi
Thank you for sharing this information and photos.
A Special Thank You to Carlos and Ernestina for the fabulous job they are doing with the boys.
And another BIG Thank You to Mike and Tanya for their volunteer, dedication and perseverance of watching over the boys to ensure they do not do without. How wonderful!!.
Hope to meet up with you on our next vacation to Punta Cana.
Again many tx for your support.
Rod and Rachel
And a special THANK YOU to you too Rod & Rachel! – for taking the time on your vacation to paint the orphange and make it a brighter place for the boys. You did a fantastic job painting the rooms and it really did make an enormous difference.
Hope to catch up with you guys on your next trip!
Great articule!
I am heading to the dominican in Jan (2011) with hubby and the kids.
The kids wanted to be able to bring some supplies and donations to the orphanage.. do you know how we might arrange this?
Does the orphanage take cash donations as well?
thanks
Hi there!
Thank you for taking an interest in El Mundo Mejor.
You can find the information you need at the bottom of the article. Mike Fisher is the person to contact for goods donations – he will arrange to meet to collect.
For cash donations you need to contact Beyond The Beach Childrens Foundation – contact link also at the bottom of the article.
http://www.beyondthebeach.ca
btw the directors of BTBCF will be visiting the orphanage on 24th October to inaugurate a new library/computer room in memory of Gregg Andrews, a director who sadly passed away this year. PuntacanaTV will be covering the event so keep a look out for the article.
Once again, thanks for taking the time to bring donations to the boys – every little bit helps and they are much appreciated
Have a great vacation in Punta Cana!
all the best
Admin
Hey if anyone sees this,we are coming down this saturday like to know what to bring with us.Please send me an email i have some supplies and money.Thanks again
we are planning a trip in December and would like to provide a donation. Are you a listed non-profit? I would like my business to also donate.
The orphanage is aided by local volunteers – it’s not a listed non-profit charity.
There is information at the bottom of the article regarding how to give donations.
As I mentioned earlier we went to the orphanage in March and found some great kids and awsome caregivers it’s a wonderful experince for my family.We contacted the palladium and they set us up with a cabdriver who could speak english,he was great.I couldn’t help myself I had to pull over and give kids on the side of the road stuff too,they are in great need also.It’s amazing how a little candy can change their day.I wouldn’t suggest taken small children out on the side of the road,but the orphanage completely safe.This was the highlight of our Vaction!!!!
We are hoping to visit the Orphanage this week however we’ve contacted a lot of people and no one seems to know where to find this place or has even heard of it, even the workers at the Basillica. I would like to know if it’s still in operation and if there are some more concrete directions. We plan on taking the bus into Higuey and then from there not sure …
Thank you!
Hi Kim
The orphanage is still there, but the management has changed since we wrote the post. You can still visit. I have added a map to the article.
By public transport: not easy if you don’t speak Spanish! The orphanage is located in a northern part of Higuey, called Villa Cerro (see map). You will have to take a taxi from the bus station, it’s about a 15 minute drive. Print out the map and show it to the driver. Agree on a price before you set off.
As stated in the article, you can also use IBK Servicios. Their drivers are familiar with the orphanage and can give you a tour of Higuey as well! See contact info in the article.
Good luck and have fun!
Yumiko
I am going to be in Punta Cana in June and would love to visit the orphanage. It is just my son and I traveling and plan on calling IBK’s for transportation. I have heard people say do not leave your resort area. I just want to be sure it is safe for my son and I to travel by ourselves.
Yes it is perfectly safe to leave your resort area! Obviously you keep your street smarts about you, as you would at home – don’t wear expensive jewellry, flash wads of cash or walk alone in unlit areas at night. Just use your common sense and you will be fine. IBKs drivers will look after you anyway!
Leaving your resort you will get to experience the full flavor of this beautiful caribbean island and it’s people! Enjoy your trip
Hello! My boyfriend and I will be visiting Punta Cana this October/November. I am interested in donating to the orphanage but may not have an opportunity to visit. What are the most desired donations? And, do you arrange pick ups? Thank you and many blessings!
The only way would be to use IBK Servicios for your airport transfer – they collect donations for the orphanage.
Contact IBK’s owner Bronly de Jesus on:
email: ibkservicios@gmail.com
Tel: 809 299 0582
Also, if you book an excursion with PuntaCanaMike they will forward any donations to needy children.
http://www.puntacanamike.com/youcanmakeadifference.htm
Yumi,
A couple weeks ago we were vacationing in Punta Cana and ended up spending 2 days visiting this orphanage and loved it! We brought our 5 daughters (ages 6-18) with us and had a wonderful experience! We are thinking of returning in June. We are trying to find out if adoption of any of these boys is a possibility as we all fell in love with them. They were sweet, kind, polite, fun, playful children! We can’t wait to see them again. Do you have any info on adoption or who we can contact about it?
Heidi
Hi Heidi
I’m afraid I no longer have any contact info for the orphanage as the management has changed since I last visited.
You could try emailing IBK Servicios mentioned in the post ibkservicios@gmail.com Bronly De Jesus, the owner, might have a phone number. The orphanage managers are highly unlikely to speak English.
You can find a lot of useful info about adoption in the DR on this DR1.com forum:
http://www.dr1.com/forums/search.php?searchid=3499896
It seems CONANI handle all adoption cases on the island.
http://www.conani.gov.do/conani
Many of Mundo Mejors kids have living parents who have effectively abandoned them. Adoption is tricky if the parents/family are still alive. But where there’s a will there’s a way! I wish you all the best! Good luck!
Yumi