Dominican Literacy Project

The mission of the Dominican Literacy Project is to build economic and social strength in Barahona (Dominican Republic) by eliminating illiteracy in Miramar, thereby empowering the community to care for its people and to thrive.

Description:
The Dominican Literacy Project operates a school, Escuela de la Communidad de Miramar, in Barahona, Dominican Republic which serves 120 children and their families. The people of the village have no rights to an education, health care or gainful employment due to their status as Haitian refugees. The children that are served were born to Haitian parents while they were living in the Dominican Republic and are not recognized by either country. They are virtually a people without a country. The illiteracy rate of both the adults and the children nears 100%. Family income is a mere $250.00 US per year.

History:
The Dominican Literacy Project began as a joint venture between a family from Washington,CT and a family from Barahona,DR as a way to address the staggering needs of the community. We take a holistic approach to our mission of literacy by addressing environmental factors that impede school success. In order to maximize learning, we address the issues of healthcare, nutrition, clean water, housing, clothing and civil rights issues of the people.

Contact person: Kimberly Crandall, Executive Director, (860) 868-3400, (email)

Office fax number: (860) 868-3400

Address:

229 Woodbury Road Washington, CT 06793 (See a map)

Web Site: None specified

Last updated on September 18, 2009