Dominican Republic
“Let the little children come, and do not hinder them…”
The Problem
The Dominican Republic is a Caribbean nation of nearly 10 million people, the education system ranks among the worst in the world. There is no requirement to attend school. Poor students can't escape the failing public education system, making it difficult for them to break out of poverty. Schools struggles with overcrowded classrooms in shoddy facilities. There's a high dropout rate, an outdated curriculum, overage students who fail classes and have to repeat grades. The school days are 5 hours long, however, according to reports students learn for two hours and 40 minutes of those 5 hours. Thus, almost half of the school time is spent with children hanging "out in class while they're supposed to be studying”.
But perhaps the most worrying issue is poorly trained teachers. Math teachers only understood 42 percent of the material they were supposed to be teaching, according to a recent study by education experts. Base pay is $390 with a university-trained teacher making a whopping $410 dollars a month.
Where some improvement has been noted recently in urban areas as the government has increased funding. Las Terrenas however remain shambles. Birth certificates or other means of documentation are required for attendance. That is a problem for many in this third world country were home births are common and due to immigration is other impossible for Haitians.
There are private international schools which cost hundreds of dollars and are simply unobtainable by most.
TODAY IN THE SMALL TOWN OF LAS TERRENAS THERE ARE 300 CHILDREN WITH NO SCHOOL TO ATTEND!
Dominican Joes
Dominican Joe’s Foundation School (501) is certified as a partner in this ministry. This is a 100% volunteer organization that has been in operation since 2007. This school conducts classes k-8 in the morning and High School in the afternoon. Parents are expected to pay a minimum cost of education. If that is not possible then sponsors pick up the fees for the poorest of poor. The facility is currently a converted home and outbuilding. Plans are underway to move the school into a larger more functional facility.
Ways to help
One-Time Gift
Your one-time gift will be used to meet needs as identified by John and Penny Mee. To donate, make a check out to Faith Lutheran Church and indicate Faith Lutheran Dominican Republic School Ministry in the memo line, or use the church’s online donation options.
Small gifts or Spanish books that can be transported by John and Penny during one of their twice a year trips to Las Terrenas
Sponsor a child (K-12) for a year
…with a one-time $350 donation to Faith Shelton for a full year sponsorship, or establish a monthly direct deposit of $30 donation for a 12-month period.
You will be given information and a picture of your supported child, and the child will be given a picture of you and you’ll be personally introduced by us during a trip to Las Terrenas.
If you are willing to travel, you may meet your sponsored child.
Prayer
Join us in keeping this ministry and all those involved in our prayers. Thank you!
The Team
John & Penny Mee of Faith Lutheran Church - Identify and coordinate sponsors
Lidia of Lidia Kids - All Sponsored Children are identified and approved by Lidia
Joe Rizzo - Founder Lead of Dominican Joe’s