The year 2020 will remain deeply etched in our collective consciousness. For the students and staff of Santo Domingo East, it marked a time when we experienced God being with us through His provision and protection. Though the year was replete with unexpected changes and surprises we were still continually able to care holistically for more than 150 children and youth.
Some highlights include the completion of two additional classrooms despite the suspension of Service Teams in March. Then our ministry pivoted to become a relief agency for the families of our children caught in the pandemic, and we converted our education processes to distance learning so we could continue with the spiritual and academic education of our children and youth.
Finally, in December and early January, we were able to celebrate Christmas by sending out a special Christmas Eve meal, a family devotion, and gifts for children.
Looking forward, we hope to have kids return to our campus in small groups this spring, then in full by August. Though we have become effective at distance teaching, we know the kids crave the loving and safe environment of the campus and that the normal risks of their homes and barrios have been amplified during the pandemic.
We hope to restart our sports and AWANA – a Bible study and activity – program which have been on hold during the pandemic. Lastly, we are excited use our new computer lab that we completed just before the first quarantine last spring!
Thank you for your continued prayers and support. Que Dios les bendiga mucho (May God bless you abundantly).
Click on photo for caption.
Fourth-grade teacher Rosanna with two of her students on Three Kings Day. With the help of supporters like you, we are able to provide gifts for all children in our program.
Bible teacher Pacheco visits with one of his students, whose assignment was to create a nativity scene at home. The school staff has been in close touch encouraging this particular student's family, who recently lost an older son to a disability.
Site Co-Director Kami in a recently finished classroom! Thanks to all those whose help enabled us to complete two new classrooms in 2020, despite having no Service Team visits because of the pandemic.
Dedicated staff Yael and Ester prepare students' study material for distance learning mandated by the government. Our staff made incredible adjustments to extend God’s love to children with spiritual, academic, emotional, and physical support during the pandemic.
Remote learning limited contact between teachers and their students, and any interpersonal encounter was a cause for celebration, sometimes with tears of joy! First-grade teacher Yanet enjoys seeing her students during the Three Kings Day present distribution.
Site Co-Director Romulo (right) and star-teacher Yael, with one of her students holding his Kings Day gift. For many of our students, these gifts from the school are the only ones they will receive.
A student receives a food packet provided by Kids Alive supporters for their family’s Christmas Eve dinner.
After growing up at Ark Constanza, Yoel compassionately treasures those God has put in his path, like this little one with his Three Kings Day gift. Now a dedicated coach and teacher, Yoel has been mentoring some of his soccer players by WhatsApp during the pandemic.