Bourne student recognised among top young Dominicans from around the world

A Bourne Community College student has been recognised for his academic achievements with an extraordinary opportunity to visit the Dominican Republic as part of a government-sponsored programme.

Diego, a student at Bourne Community College, was selected to take part in the Dominican Pride Abroad (ODEX) programme, organised by the Institute of Dominicans Abroad (INDEX).

The programme recognises high-achieving young people of Dominican descent living outside the Dominican Republic, giving them the opportunity to connect with their heritage while learning more about the country’s culture, history and institutions.

This year, just 30 students from around the world were selected to take part, with Diego among those chosen in recognition of his strong academic performance.

During the trip, Diego took part in a packed programme of educational and cultural activities. One of the highlights was a visit to the National Palace, where he had the opportunity to meet Luis Abinader, President of the Dominican Republic, alongside the other selected students.

The group also visited the National Congress, learning more about how the country’s laws are made, as well as other important national institutions. The programme gave the students an insight into the political and cultural life of the Dominican Republic, while also providing opportunities to explore the country’s history and countryside.

For Diego, the trip was not only a celebration of his academic achievements but also an opportunity to learn more about his Dominican heritage and meet other young people with similar backgrounds from across the world.

The visit was fully sponsored by the Dominican Republic’s government as part of its work to maintain strong links with Dominican communities overseas and recognise the achievements of young people living abroad.

Bourne Community College is celebrating Diego’s achievement and the opportunity it provided him to represent young people from the Dominican community in the UK on an international stage.

The experience is a testament to the opportunities that can arise from hard work and academic achievement, and one that Diego is sure to remember for many years to come.