Santiago, Dominican Republic

On a Friday afternoon in an impoverished neighborhood in Santiago, Dominican Republic, we visited an old renovated building that was serving as a school and an orphanage. We made our way up a dark and crooked stairwell to a classroom, the only source of light a single bulb in the ceiling. This was the Genesis School, a place that provides education and housing for poor, undocumented children who would otherwise be unable to attend public schools. We introduced ourselves to the children, and made some new friends.

In the Dominican Republic, common law marriages and single parent households are very prevalent, accounting for a large number of children that are born out of wedlock. This leads to a major problem needing to be addressed: The ID problem. When a child is born out of wedlock in the Dominican Republic, they eligible to be given the proper documentation needed to enter into public school. They cannot be issued birth certificates or get a drivers license, cannot own property, and have no securities in employment. They essentially have no rights and are not recognized as official citizens. For many, this leads to working in sweatshops, begging on the streets, or a life in prostitution. Many are abused and orphaned, and almost all are left living a life consumed by hunger and fear. The Genesis School gives these children a place where they can belong, learn, and be loved.

Returning home, we knew specifically what our mission would be. We decided to begin a technology program, including installing computer labs in the school, that would aid The Genesis School in educating the children. The computers contain an English language learning program, so the students will have the necessary language skills upon graduation from the school to meet the needs of the emerging market in the Dominican Republic. There are a lot of American business moving to the area, and with computer and language skills, they should have a much easier time finding good employment. Once the labs are in place, adult computer education classes will be added so that the parents of the students can build valuable new skills, as well, so they can better support their families.

In December 2008, through the generosity of friends, we were able to raise the funds needed to purchase and install ten computers loaded with the necessary software. Now over 300 children and their parents have the opportunity to gain this valuable knowledge.