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
Hurricanes Maria and Irma swept the edges of the Dominican Republic with devastating force, leaving millions of dollars of damage in their wake. To help communities rebuild after these disasters, our emergency response teams provided clean water and hygiene kits along with repairs to homes and other community structures. Domestic violence continues to be a prevalent issue in the DR. Hundreds of women die each year at the hands of their current or former partners, leaving their children orphaned. With your help, we’re strengthening vulnerable families with training in loving parenting methods and practical life skills. Together, we’re also improving educational systems, child protection, and economic empowerment. The rate of physical violence between adolescents and their families is significantly reduced thanks to the work we’re doing through trainings on healthy child-raising and parenting. And ensuring children have birth certificates means more and more kids will get access to essentials like healthcare and school enrollment. Together, we’re transforming entire communities and kids are taking hold of opportunities to improve their futures.
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:
Displaced families and people affected by Hurricanes Irma and Maria.
Domestic violence against women and children to cease and that they would be loved and protected.
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.
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