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.
- We strengthened youth networks so they could advocate for safe community spaces where children can play without fear of abuse or exploitation.
- Vocational trainings in beekeeping, pharmacy, hair dressing, and accounting were provided to youth so they could earn income and help support their families.
- To improve education and health services in their communities, leaders and youth were trained on Citizen Voice and Action (CVA). CVA is our program that educates citizens about their rights and equips them with a simple set of tools designed to empower them to protect and enforce those rights.
Healthy Children and Families
Children and families are well nourished, protected from infection and disease, and have access to essential health services.
- Community facilitators, parents, and guardians attended our trainings on good nutrition, preventing childhood diseases, hygiene, and sanitation in order to improve children's health.
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.
- We worked with teachers and local schools to provide tutoring programs for struggling students in reading, writing, and math, so they could pass their grade levels.
- To advocate as a group for improvements at schools such as teacher training and more textbooks, parents joined our Parent Teacher Associations.
Love of God and Neighbors
Children and families are growing spiritually, local churches are strengthened to demonstrate Christ's love in practical ways, and people are living at peace with their neighbors.
- Our local staff served children and families as a demonstration of God's unconditional love, seeking always to be faithful ambassadors of Jesus.
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.
Enjoyed learning about Dominican Republic?
Now discover another country: