School staff meet changing needs in Santo Domingo

Since its beginning nearly ten years ago in the carport of Directors Kami and Romulo’s rented house, the Santo Domingo East School program has protected and provided for children and youth in the surrounding poor community. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the mission has further risen to the occasion – our dedicated school staff have embraced change to reach out to our students and their families with regular food provisions and other resources.

The school year ended mid-June, and children and their parents visited the school to receive children’s end of the year packages and complete special projects for their sponsors. It was the first time the children had returned to school since it was ordered shut by government authorities in mid-March to contain the spread of COVID-19.

As the school year closed and a few people were allowed to be on campus, Emmanuel* was excited to write letters to his sponsor. We are grateful to God for our dedicated donors. (*Name changed)

Dressed in his best clothes, Alberto's* hope is that school will restart in August. Kids Alive school directors are waiting for a final decision from the Dominican government. (*Name changed)

“Let the little children come to me…” said Jesus. Our Santo Domingo East School consistently shares this message with all, young and old.

The school year ended strangely this year - there were no year-end celebrations nor the first graders' traditional "Now I Can Read" celebration. But we celebrate God’s consistent goodness, provision, and faithful love.

Pablo* carries home his food rations. (*Name changed)

Masked and loaded with nutritious food, Jose* heads out taking his family's food rations. He knows his school cares and he's learned at school that God loves and cares for him. (*Name changed)

Many of our children live with a single parent or grandparent. This bag of food rations is life-sustaining during the pandemic.

With hot food for a meal and food rations for later, David* knows he is loved. (*Name changed)

Grades, hot food, and a bag of rations! "V" is for victory!

Managing little ones during a pandemic lockdown is challenging. Doing that in a one-room house without food is harder. Thank you to our generous donors!