Using summer break “constructively”!

The Dominican Republic economy began reopening in phases starting in June. But since many families remain unemployed and hence have no income or savings, Kids Alive continues to distribute food packets to needy families of our children.

Though we miss our kids, their absence from the school campus has allowed us to restart and finish construction work on the new cafeteria and sports court. We are expecting the project to be finished by early August, just in time for the children’s return if the government decides if it is safe to reopen schools. Other ANIJA School campus modifications include the reopening of the library and the addition of hand-washing stations.

As the school is closed for the summer, our teaching staff is getting a well-deserved break in July!

The ANIJA School campus serves over 380 children and youth. This summer we expect to complete a new cafeteria and sports court.

Moises grew up at the Ark and is now helping in a construction project at ANIJA School. His work will improve the campus facility and children's educational experience.

Our bakery window is now the distribution point for food, homework, health care information, and family devotional materials.

An ANIJA child's parent picks up food rations at a local grocery store that packs the food on behalf of Kids Alive. This arrangement with the store reduces multiple handling of food rations.

Parents line up with appropriate social distancing to pick-up food and homework packages from the ANIJA campus.

Another ANIJA parent picks up food rations at a local grocery store that packs the food on behalf of Kids Alive, reducing the chances of COVID-19 transmission.

Kids Alive restarted a major construction project at ANIJA, providing jobs for older students like Ismael, whose friends call him “happy face.”

Missionaries Milagros and Kerry Dougan have served at ANIJA for over two decades. Though they have served in many ways, this is their first experience with relief food distribution, homework, and devotions!

The ANIJA School campus has been built little by little over a 30 year period. In summer we expect to finish a new cafeteria and sports court.

Families of Haitian origin at ANIJA have been particularly hard hit by COVID-19’s economic impact. Many have lost their daily wage jobs, and without Kids Alive support they would suffer from food shortages.

Former ANIJA student Yohanna Mota graduated from medical school last month. After finishing 8th grade at ANIJA, backed by a Kids Alive scholarship she went to study in high school and then on to medical university. Yohanna is another example of God using the ANIJA program and staff to transform lives for His glory.

ANIJA parents pick up food rations at a local grocery store.

A package of food ration contain these items.

Long-term Kids Alive missionary Kerry Dougan distributes food, children's homework, and devotions to families through what was once the bakery window!

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