The Dominican Republic is located on the island of Hispaniola, in the Caribbean. Two thirds of the island is occupied by the Dominican Republic, and the other third by the nation of Haiti.
Approximately 55.4% of the Dominican Republic's children under the age of five live in poverty. Children in most rural and some urban areas are most vulnerable, and often suffer from malnutrition and a lack of health care and education.
While primary school education is free, many children fail to complete it because they are required to contribute to the family income. 10% of children are involved in child labour from the age of five.
There is no national health system or old-age pensions, leaving many people, young and old, struggling to survive.
Many communities require proper sanitation, water services, employment opportunities, recreational facilities, drug and alcohol abuse prevention programs, hospitals, schools, law enforcement, scholastic materials and vocational training.
Issues children in the Dominican Republic face:
- Malnutrition
- Parasites
- Stomach Illnesses
- Flu
- Skin Infections
- Vision Problems
- Fevers
- Headaches
- Diarrhoea
- Vomiting
Examples of what a monetary gift can buy your sponsor child in the Dominican Republic:
$10 and under: baseball, baseball bat, doll, Ping Pong, set of jacks, ball, books, shirt, chicken, lamp, socks.
$25 and under: set of bed sheets, pants, school books, shoes, small bike, skateboard.
Examples of what a monetary gift can buy for your sponsor child's family:
$75 and under: bicycle, blender, fan, toaster
$200 and under: goat, mattress, sewing machine (used), stove, washing machine
Compassion International began working in the Dominican Republic in 1970. Over 39,600 children participate in around 144 child development centres and Compassion Australia assists over 2,700 of these children. Compassion's Leadership Development Program, Children Survival Program and various Complementary Interventions operate throughout the country. Currently 70 students are enrolled in the Leadership Development Program and 14 Child Survival Programs are in operation.
To sponsor a child in the Dominican Republic click here
