Population: 10.5 million (July 2020)
Women giving birth before age 18: 21%
Children who experience violent discipline: 63%
Attendance in early childhood education: 40%
Population living on less than $1.25 per day: 231,000
Children in the Altagracia Village Partnership Program live in one of the poorest bateyes in the region. A batey is a former sugarcane work camp, home to generations of Haitian migrant workers. As the sugarcane industry disappeared, these undocumented families struggled to find work and were denied social services.
Often, up to three families live in a single wood or block home with a metal roof. Electricity and potable water are unreliable. Most families make a living through farming, construction, or small businesses. Typical meals consist of rice, beans, and meat. Children help their parents with chores like cleaning their home, carrying water, and washing clothes. Families speak Spanish.
Since 2006, sponsors like you have been partnering with our staff to provide these children with things like daily meals, school fees, medical care, spiritual guidance, and essential hygiene and school supplies. Today, Altagracia has a new school and clean water system. By continuing to equip these children with tools for success, you help them grow up to create positive change in their community and, ultimately, their nation.