Eva Russell, sanctuary in good times and bad

For over 30 years, Eva Russell School has been a sanctuary for at-risk youth, ministering to their physical, mental, and spiritual needs. This has been especially true during the pandemic.

While COVID-19 threatens to rob people of their health and life, it has already robbed many of their daily wage jobs. Due to massive unemployment, the school has been disbursing food rations since April to all of our school children’s families.

Additionally, school staff distributed materials to help children and families stay physically, emotionally, and spiritually healthy while sheltering at home. Kids Alive partners have also contributed extra funds as well as essential items like masks to help the school provide for and protect some of the neediest children and families.

Zoom meetings with school directors have allowed shared learning and unity across the seven Kids Alive DR schools!

Eva Russell School has been serving kids for over three decades, providing nutrition, education, and supporting child well-being. Here, one of our students collects food and the year's final grades.

Dominicans traditionally hug and cheek-kiss while greeting each other. COVID-19 and masks have forced an awkward transition to a distant and hence seemingly formal way of greeting.

Thanks to generous donors, we have been able to support about 1,200 of our school children's families with food and education support in seven Kids Alive schools in the Dominican Republic.

Sharing is integral to Dominican culture. Kids Alive food supplies are often shared by our school families with their neighbors. In the barrios, a bit of oil here or a cup of sugar there is readily shared. People try to take care of each other.

Nico* practices wearing his mask at home. His teacher stays in contact with his family through WhatsApp, checking in on needs and offering help. (*Name changed)

There is a grateful hidden smile that is only in the eyes! Like her peers, Nati* received a mask sewn by friends at Tower Hill Church in Red Bank, NJ. (*Name changed)

Food is the biggest need in all our communities. Eva Russell School is grateful to our donors who make it possible for us to support our children's families during this difficult time.

New look! Masked up and ready to go. Under new rules, all Dominicans are required to wear masks everywhere except in their homes.

Outside the school, everyone has to wear a mask. Faithful supporters and friends at Tower Hill Church make it possible for Jeni*to to have a mask. (*Name changed)

Along with using masks, our schools will have new hand-washing stations and distancing protocols starting this fall.

Grateful for the gift of protection, students are testing out masks donated by Tower Hill Church, Red Bank, NJ.

Practicing using the face mask at home.

With elections in early July, the government eased travel restrictions, which may help the economy to pick up, but could further spread COVID-19.

The school staff has done a fantastic job of safely distributing food to a very grateful school community.

At home, students learn to use a mask safely with the help of instructional videos and flyers developed by Kids Alive health care staff.

Alba* and Mila* shelter their mom from the downpour as they gratefully carry home their food supplies and grades. (*Names changed)

Practicing and becoming comfortable with using a mask, starting at home.

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