Eva Russell, sanctuary in good times and bad

An interview with Ramon Prenza, National Co-Director, Kids Alive Dominican Republic‍

Juana and Ramon Prenza have been rescuing and transforming the lives of at-risk kids for close to four decades. They joined Kids Alive in the mid-1990s when Kids Alive began supporting the school they had started in Monte Plata.

What brings you joy at work?‍

I like to see children's lives change as a result of the transformational work that God does in their lives.‍

What are some of the biggest challenges of the past year?

‍It's been difficult to deal with the pandemic, but it has provided a real opportunity to help others in a time of great anxiety and fear.‍

Tell us about the progress you have observed?

‍We were able to reunite a young man with his mom and brother after he had been with us for five years. The reunification has gone well as the youth has developed a good relationship with his mother and brother. He continues with his studies at Eva Russell School and the family attends church together. He also helps his mother who is apprenticing in an auto paint repair shop. We maintain regular contact with him, as he frequently calls to inquire about the well-being of his friends in Casa Monte Plata.

‍What are the strengths of your program?

‍Kids Alive's strength centers around the holistic approach to address the needs of at-risk children. Each of the sites has experienced significant growth and benefits from strong teamwork and the passion of the staff to serve the Lord. Casa Monte Plata has its particular strengths including our young workers who serve as great role models for the younger kids. Also, we have a strong alliance with a local church, experienced long-term staff, and good facilities that help with building partnerships.

‍What do you hope for in 2021?‍

We hope the pandemic ends and we can return to a more normal routine and focus on rescuing more kids.‍

As you think long-term, what are some of your goals for your ministry/program?

‍We want to continue to improve our spiritual teaching, gain more in-country financial support and volunteer help, expand our schools through high school, and develop strong independence programs along with technical education tracts for kids.‍

How has your role helped you grow?‍

My work with Kids Alive has helped me to grow personally, spiritually, and professionally over many years. Each year I learn new skills and gain additional knowledge which lets me serve God in greater ways.

‍Do you have any other thoughts?

‍We thank God for allowing us to meet and collaborate with you our Site Partners. Let's keep our eyes fixed on God in our homes and all of our program activities.

Transformation of children and youth that come from hard situations is complicated work that requires patience, love, and expertise. Using these attributes, our seven schools have developed well deserved reputations for both serving the most needy children in their communities and helping transform their lives over many years.

Most children enter our schools between 3 and 4 years of age. Sometimes they are selected from many applicants solely based on need and generally come from impoverished and dysfunctional families. They are at risk for neglect, malnutrition, under education, and various forms of abuse. When possible, we also admit special needs children, to prevent their mistreatment and provide protection and services which would otherwise be unavailable to them. We use a holistic approach to help children develop; this includes giving attention to their spiritual, academic, emotional, social, and physical development.

In recent years, we have been able to enhance our program by adding resources like Christian psychologists, social workers, dentists, and health care specialists and by offering after-school programs such as sports, discipleship training, English language classes, and parent training.Our holistic approach helps create an environment of loving care and promotes the development of all aspects of a child’s life. Our schools are recognized by the public education system for their special education capacity and overall excellence, and are generally among the top-performing schools in standardized testing in their districts (despite starting with impoverished, at-risk children).

In some of our communities, a Kids Alive child is five times more likely to graduate from high school than a typical Dominican student and six times more likely to be part of a church as an adult.We greatly appreciate the generous support that allows us to provide this multidisciplinary, holistic approach. We remain excited to see continued transformation in the lives of our students, their families, and even our communities as our schools and programs mature.

While children are at the core of Kids Alive’s ministry, our goal is to strengthen their families, allowing them to grow up in caring and nurturing environments where they can thrive.

We invite or rescue children and youth from hard circumstances and help them to grow up well, and the children themselves often become instruments of blessing. In our schools, another essential way to help a child is to invest in their caregivers, including parents, grandparents,or extended family members.Regular activities such as parenting classes and school events help guide and encourage these caregivers.

Additionally, our campuses have increasing counseling support to provide direct assistance as well. Josue, a local pastor and our school counselor, recounts his experience and Kids Alive’s involvement in the life of one of our students and her family:

A couple of years ago, a family came to school requesting a scholarship for their youngest daughter. My fellow counselor Kerry and I went to visit the family. It was our first contact. The wife was keen to hear more about the Bible. 

While the couple professed to be Christian, they were having a hard time attending church as a family. That was indicative of other issues in the family.  

One day the wife approached me and asked for counseling help, especially for her husband. In talking to the husband, he told me that his wife needed counseling.  

So, I invited both for counseling, and despite some interruptions, partially due to COVID-related quarantine, we have been meeting. God has been miraculously working in their marriage and the whole family. Everyone now attends our church on Sundays and is very excited. 

Though some difficulties remain, both have grown a lot in faith and are willing to do whatever it takes to glorify God. 

It’s a privilege for us to help strengthen families,and we also know it is one of the best ways for us to help our children to thrive.