Dominican Republic Community Center

Dominican Republic

Protecting and Investing in At-Risk Youth

In the Dominican Republic, education is required and well-attended. But as the youth grow up and experience parental pressure to contribute to the family income, drop out risk increases greatly by eighth grade. (Source) Trafficking and kidnapping are common problems among young people looking for work. This community center is a safe place where children and youth can receive tutoring, music education, English language classes, training for job skills, and educational field trips. For many kids, this is the only access to schooling they receive.

Students learn chess in the afternoons.

Students have access to laptops and internet to use educational software and learn computer skills.

Elementary students learning in a recently remodeled classroom.

Student Home Collapses after Rainstorm

A student who attends the aftercare center had a wall collapse on their home, damaging the home’s structure as well as injuring a woman who is inside at the time. The student and her brother are cared for by their widowed grandmother. The total cost to repair the house is $2685 USD and our school wants to help this family.

$10 pays for miscellaneous building supplies (nails, etc)

$25 pays for 25 bricks

$50 pays for 3 roofing sheets

$625 pays for the labor

Student Home destroyed after rain collapses wall

My sister wasn’t safe

Learning to recognize the signs of trafficking is important, but what is even more important is being aware and present in kids’ lives. Through our center, one young girl was taught how to read and was re-enrolled into school. She learned about influential women, self-defense and how to recognize signs of trafficking. Thanks to her training, she recognized dangerous patterns in her community and family, and asked for help. Because of her trust and connection to safe adults, she received the support she needed. This girl, and others like her, is why our work in the city center is essential.