FAQs
One of the biggest industries found in the Dominican Republic involves the growth and export of sugar cane. Most aspects of life are controlled by the sugar cane company. In most instances, workers are not permitted to have their own homes, raise animals, save a few scrawny chickens, or grow their crops to feed their own families. One ray of hope is the Batey 35 School. The government mandates education of children through the fourth grade. The Batey 35 School travels to twenty surrounding Bateys and transports the children to the school where they receive training through the seventh grade. Most importantly, they learn about the redeeming power of Jesus Christ in a culture permeated by voodoo and superstition. The kids in the school often look different from a class of 6th or 7th graders in the states. Many of them are older teens. Due to a transient lifestyle, and being pulled out of class to work in the fields, it takes quite a while for them to finish a grade.
The Sponsorship program began two years ago officially, and the donations to the school have benefited the students in several ways. The school has been able to institute a food program to allow children to receive a light meal consistently. Some days the meal comprises a slice of bread and a drink. We would like to continue this program and provide for their physical needs. A second-hand bus was also purchased as a back up for the truck. Previously, when the truck was out for repairs, the kids had no way to get to school until it was running, and that was a big problem due to the rough condition of the roads causing a lot of wear and tear on the truck. Another sponsor specifically provided for a music program to be implemented. This has been a very popular and successful program.
Church budgets are tight, and it gets harder to get enough through the budget to provide the school with what it needs. In addition to the food program and vehicle maintenance, school supplies continue to be needed. Often there are only 2-3 textbooks per class. Also, the teachers make significantly less than the government school teachers. But they share a message of hope through their relationship with Jesus Christ. In order to retain them, and offer them a better quality of life, we would like to provide improved salaries. The government has also mandated an increased school day from four to six hours which calls for increased compensation as well.
For those of us who have gone on a trip, we have all been touched by these beautiful people. If you have not, you can’t help but connect to the pictures and their story. We often feel helpless and wonder what we can do to help. Please prayerfully consider a sponsorship. We are not able to sponsor specific children due to the nomadic lifestyle of the people, but the desk you sponsor will be filled with an energetic, hopeful child who needs to hear and see the love of Jesus through your gift.
