Berkley Center

Background: As part of the Education and Social Justice Fellowship, in May 2017 undergraduate student Mary Breen interviewed Florentino Hernández, S.J., administrator at St. Ignatius of Loyola Technical Institute in Dajabón, Dominican Republic. Having worked in Jesuit schools for many years, Father Florentino reflects positively on his experience in Dajabón.

Can you describe your job here at ITESIL?

I work here in administration. I work with Diosmari Garcia and am a helper for her.

How long have you worked here?

Twenty-three years.

Have you lived in Dajabón your whole life?

I was at the Loyola Polytechnic Institute in San Cristóbal and was sent here in 1994 until now. I have worked here in the administration of this school for all 23 years.

How has your experience been living here at the border?

It has been good. In all my time here, I never had a problem with anyone, and no one had a problem with me.

Are there any challenges that exist here with life at the border and the question of migration?

No, I cannot speak about this, because I have not experienced it.

How would you like to see the situation at the border change, or does it not need to?

For me, it is good. There is another point of view that everything is not good, but I am not at the market with the Haitians or anything like that.

How has the situation at the border changed while you have lived here?

It has changed a lot with all of the people coming, but I have not had a problem with anyone.

Does Jesuit education play a role in improving life in the region, and in what way?

Yes, because people from all over the region come here.

Is there anything else you would like to share about your experience here at the border?

Everything is good. During all of the time I have been here, I have felt good.