Traveling is a wonderful opportunity to explore new destinations, experience different cultures, and create lasting memories with your family. However, beyond the joy of travel, it’s essential to consider how we can give back to the communities we visit.

Sandals Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Sandals Resorts International (SRI), has paved the way for travelers to make a positive impact while enjoying their vacation.

Why Give Back While Traveling?

Giving back while traveling not only enhances the lives of local communities but also adds depth and meaning to your travel experiences. It allows you to connect with the destinations you visit on a more profound level, fostering a sense of cultural exchange and empathy. Additionally, giving back can set a positive example for your family, instilling values of kindness, generosity, and global awareness.

Reading Road Trip in Turks & Caicos

One popular initiative for families to give back while vacationing in the Caribbean is the Reading Road Trip program, which is part of Sandals Foundation’s Community Routes initiative. This program offers a unique opportunity for both locals and travelers.

The Reading Road Trip takes you back to school, quite literally. Families will go to a local Caribbean school and engage with a small group of children, typically aged 5-7 years old. Visitors will not only read to the kids, but also ask engaging questions to help improve listening and comprehension skills as these young learners complete their reading aptitude sheets.

Book Donations

Another heartwarming aspect of the Reading Road Trip is the opportunity to give back by donating new or gently-used books to the school’s library. This donation ensures that the children can continue to enjoy these books time and time again, fostering a love for reading and expanding their access to knowledge.

Operating Season

It’s important to note that the Reading Road Trip operates when students are in school, typically from September to June. So, if you plan your vacation during these months, you can become part of this transformative experience.

Celebrating the Future Goals Program

Another noteworthy initiative of the Sandals Foundation is the Future Goals program. This program helps local children through the power of youth sports.

One of the program’s unique aspects is its approach to sustainability. Future Goals transforms fishing nets sourced from the ocean and recycled plastic waste into soccer goals for children. Working in collaboration with local Curaçaon plastic recycling company Limpi, the program has created 40 football goals from recycled plastic bottles and caps. In addition, over 600,000 plastic bottles have been collected through recycling efforts and beach clean-up drives.

Impact on Children

Beyond the environmental benefits, Future Goals makes a profound difference in the lives of local children. The program not only provides them with goals for play but also offers valuable life skills such as teamwork, goal setting, and resilience. It empowers them to become stewards of the environment while nurturing their love for the game of football.

Milestone Achievements

Since its inception, Future Goals has been instrumental in impacting more than 750 students island-wide through 29 classes.

Traveling can be about more than sightseeing; it can be an opportunity to give back to the communities we visit. The Sandals Foundation’s initiatives, like the Reading Road Trip and the Future Goals program, provide a means for travelers and their families to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a vacation in the Caribbean. By engaging in these initiatives, you can not only create cherished memories but also leave a lasting positive mark on the lives of those you encounter. Consider how you can make your travel experiences more meaningful and enriching by giving back to the communities you explore.