Hurricane Irma caused about $50 billion in damage and is the fifth-costliest storm to hit the continental U.S. since 1900. Here are some facts, FAQs, and how to help.
Dominican Republic
Why World Vision is in Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is still recovering from the hurricanes that hit the country in 2017. As well, the country ranks below average for international standards of education, so the government is trying to prioritize better quality schools. Domestic violence also continues to be a major issue, especially against women and children. Nearly 46,000 reports of domestic and gender-based violence were recorded in just the first seven months of 2018. Even though organizations have worked to develop projects and efforts to change this, many people remain vulnerable to abuse. The widespread violence against women leaves some children orphaned when their mothers are killed. Many children face challenges in getting an education — like walking long distances or unaffordable school fees — especially kids in rural areas or those of Haitian descent. Haitian children are often discriminated against by teachers or peers. A shortage of teachers and poor school infrastructure contribute to high school dropout rates at all grades. Thanks to the support of our partners, we’re focused on child protection and participation, education, and economic development. Teenagers are being engaged and empowered through arts, sports, and clubs, and they’re learning about their rights through peer networks. In a nation-wide advocacy campaign to end domestic violence, teenagers are also learning how to put leadership skills and awareness about political influence into action. Through our Channels of Hope training and other programs, churches and organizations are uniting to work together for common goals that benefit children suffering from violence. Along with USAID partners, our staff are helping kids become better readers with literacy projects. We’re empowering communities to improve the quality of education in schools, as well as running ongoing emergency response activities for those who were affected by last year’s hurricanes.
We never give up on people
World Vision child sponsorship looks at all the things that prevent children from surviving and thriving in their community, and then works with that community to bring all the pieces of the puzzle together to build a better life for all children. For sponsors, it’s a personal way to show God’s love to a child in need in a life-changing way.
Sponsor a child in Dominican Republic ❯
Progress in Dominican Republic
Thanks to the generous support of donors, we’re making great progress toward the well-being of children and their families.
Child Protection and Care
Boys and girls are safe and valued, well cared for by their families, and participating in their communities as agents of transformation.
- Through youth groups and summer camps, children had the opportunity to learn about children’s rights, preventing teen pregnancy, life skills, and problem solving, as well as enjoy leisure activities such as art and sports.
- Through a collaboration with local child protection groups and the government, parents and youth learned about children's rights, and how to identify and report suspected cases of child abuse and exploitation. Children learned action steps if they or other children they know are in unsafe dangerous situations.
Healthy Children and Families
Children and families are well nourished, protected from infection and disease, and have access to essential health services.
- Through a collaboration with partners in the Dominican Republic, health committees were trained. These committees helped increase access to free health care services by advocating for more health services and encouraging families to seek these services. They also help families to navigate the national social security program.
- Families in the Dominican Republic learned about good nutrition and sanitation practices. Nutrition practices included demonstrations of how to prepare healthy balanced meals using local ingredients. They also learned how to prevent diseases.
Education for Better Lives
Children have opportunities to learn and to develop their talents, young people are equipped for the future, and families and communities support children's education.
- Parent-teacher associations are being mobilized. These associations advocate for more child-focused teacher training by ensuring that students are getting the support they need to succeed in school, and emphasizing that all children have the right to receive an education.
Prayer Requests from Dominican Republic
World Vision's staff in Dominican Republic are asking us to join them in prayer for the following:
Enable parents to raise their children with love and tenderness, to stop violence against children.
God will use our staff to bless and protect children who are facing violence.
News from Dominican Republic
From the Field
2017 Hurricane Maria: Facts, FAQs, and how to help
Families are still recovering from Hurricane Maria after the monster storm devastated Puerto Rico and much of the Caribbean last September.
From the Field
How World Vision does child protection around the world
More than half of the world’s children experience some form of violence every year. World Vision protects children and looks out for their well-being by ensuring communities and faith leaders are actively working to identify and support children in need; advocating for children’s rights; and providing for immediate needs, such as emergency shelter and essential care.
Enjoyed learning about Dominican Republic?
Now discover another country: