Monasterio Santa Teresa de Jesús and Evolution Foundation

So far, this is the most significant project undertaken by Evolution Foundation, a nonprofit organization with the expertise to execute initiatives of this nature and to support corporate social responsibility programs in identifying and implementing impactful community projects.

The first photograph shows the condition of the roof of the Monasterio Santa Teresa de Jesús in Engombe, Santo Domingo Oeste, as it appeared in July of this year. Waterproofing work and a few repairs had long exceeded their useful life. It rained more inside than outside, and nearly every area of the monastery, home to Carmelite nuns whose ministries include producing communion hosts and making ecclesiastical garments, suffered from leaks and peeling paint.

The water heaters were badly corroded, operating well beyond their intended lifespan and awaiting retirement, much like the two asbestos-cement water tanks that were eventually replaced with modern plastic tanks. These tanks and the solar panels were the only modern elements on a roof that, if left unattended, could have jeopardized the entire structure of the monastery.

Evolution Foundation decided to assist the Carmelite sisters in addressing these challenges. Given the urgency of the situation, the organization utilized its revolving fund, which currently consists primarily of its own resources, and informed the sisters that proposals would be requested from three different companies.

The nuns provided a list of contractors experienced in working within the atmosphere of solemnity required by a cloistered religious community. For the technical and financial evaluation of the nearly 4,000-square-meter waterproofing project, Evolution Foundation once again relied on the expertise of engineers Alexandra Oviedo and Manuel de Jesús Suárez.

Aedeficare, led by engineer Nelson Miguel Pons Díaz, submitted the most favorable proposal, offering superior materials, warranty commitments, and an efficient execution schedule. The sisters welcomed the news with joy, as Nelson Miguel is one of several generous volunteers who contribute both time and resources to support the monastery’s service to the Catholic community.

When the project progress was reviewed, he expressed his satisfaction at seeing more individuals and organizations joining the effort:

“For me, this is not an ordinary engineering job. It is not simply a project and a budget for a client. I join as a collaborator, grateful to be part of such a vital undertaking for a community that has prayed so long for the resources needed to make it possible.”

The “after” photograph speaks for itself. The new roof stands as a testament to the dedication and harmony with which the professional team worked alongside Juan Gonzales, the resident engineer, and his crew. Together, they successfully adapted to the silence and movement restrictions characteristic of a cloistered religious order.

The plastic water tanks are no longer visible because a protective enclosure was built for them. The old asbestos tanks were removed, as were the outdated water heaters, which have now been replaced by modern vacuum-tube solar heaters with stainless-steel structures.

I asked whether the bright white color of the roof was an artistic choice, perhaps because it looked better against the clouds. Since architecture is not my field, engineer Suárez explained:

“No. Lighter colors retain less heat. White reflects sunlight, attracts fewer ultraviolet rays, and therefore helps reduce temperatures in the treated area. According to its technical specifications, the Urethanizer Lanco coating reflects 79% of solar radiation and eliminates 89% of the heat received.”

He explained this while we were standing on the roof under the midday sun, and only then did I fully appreciate why the temperature felt remarkably comfortable.

The two technical supervision and monitoring reports prepared during the project are exceptional documents, and the photographic record of the work’s progress is equally impressive. All of this material will be made available through Evolution Foundation’s institutional website.

On the afternoon of November 5, we met with Sisters Diomedis Durán Ynoa and Margarita Altagracia Frías in the same room where the construction contract had been signed. This time, however, there was no need to move the table away from areas where paint was falling from the ceiling.

Once the final inspection was successfully completed—including flooding the roof and blocking the drains for 24 hours to verify the effectiveness of the waterproofing—the sisters were able to redirect previously reserved donations toward repairing the roof of that room and several residential areas.

This project once again demonstrates that visible progress inspires additional support. As construction advanced, more individuals and organizations became motivated to contribute to related needs, including improvements to the monastery’s security systems.

Engineer Pons showed me the recently installed surveillance cameras that now complement the protection provided by guardian angels, of course, and by the dedicated watchmen whose commitment seems worthy of literary characters such as Fauchelevent and Monsieur Madeleine.

To date, this remains the most important project undertaken by Evolution Foundation, a nonprofit organization with the capabilities to manage projects of this scale and to assist corporations in identifying, evaluating, and implementing community initiatives with efficiency, transparency, and lasting impact.

Special thanks to Nelson Miguel, Juan Gonzales, Alexandra Oviedo, Manuel de Jesús Suárez, and everyone who helped make this remarkable achievement possible.

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Article by José Alfredo Guerrero