Strengthened families, thriving children 

Strengthened families, thriving children 

Kids Alive ministry focuses on children, but we also invest in strengthening families so children can thrive. We invite or rescue children and youth from challenging circumstances and help them to grow up well, and the children themselves often become instruments of blessing to their families. 

In our Santo Domingo North School, we specifically strengthen families through prayer and providing essential food and, at times, medical help. Before the pandemic, we also hosted family worship in our “chapel” space at the school.   

The work of strengthening families involves all of our staff. Often, one staff member recognizes a need and, according to the issue, communicates with appropriate staff; they then come together as a team to support the family. 

In some instances, we can help with direct counseling. Once, while teaching from the Ten Commandments about “Do not kill,” one of our students, the youngest in her family, became very anxious and began to cry. A further inquiry in private by our teacher led the young girl to explain that her father had threatened to kill her mother on several occasions.  

We began helping the family; this included visits from the school psychologist to the child’s home, providing counseling, Biblical guidance, and praying for them. Thanks to God, there has been a significant improvement. 

In another case, the father of a student was thinking of committing suicide, and the family called us. We began praying and guided the family, which included helping them find medical assistance. When the father was hospitalized, we took food for the family on various occasions and spent time with them. The father is still in treatment but is improving. Thanks be to God! 

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Many of our school families struggle with the lack of steady employment and hence with purchasing essential food and medicines. We remain grateful to those who continue to support our work generously in these challenging times.

One day, Ana* arrived early in the day to drop off her schoolwork. Later she came again, accompanying her sibling, and then she appeared a third time with her friend Maria*. Upon seeing her yet again, the teachers called attention with joy to her repeat visits, and they all laughed, realizing how much our students miss being at school. *Names changed

Some students need extra help from teachers because their parents or caregivers are not around or don’t have the necessary level of education to fully support them.

Teachers grapple with mercy and grace as students struggle to complete assignments for various reasons. Ultimately, our staff work to grow and develop trusting relationships.

Our teachers have not only learned how to teach remotely, but also how to guide and encourage families as they instruct at home.

Like our staff, students enjoy the opportunity to see their teachers face to face, a time when they hear words of encouragement and love.