A Dominican Republic Education Project - Opening Doors For Children Of All AbilitiesHand-in-Hand is an inclusive educational project that will benefit children of all social economic levels and academic abilities in the Dominican Republic, in the capital city of Santo Domingo.
Currently, children who struggle with dyslexia, autism, or other special needs are excluded from the predominantly private school system. Medical diagnosis is unavailable and parents lack the instruction and support necessary to lead healthy families. Hand-in-Hand is a unique, inclusive educational project in the Dominican Republic. We aim to provide the following:
· Appropriate education to children of all learning abilities, as well as to those whose families live in poverty
· Medical diagnosis of learning challenges
· Counselling for families to help cope with the unique challenges of raising special needs children.
Joseph and Elena Anonby are Canadian workers in the area who, through the Anonby Missionary Society, will provide hands-on oversight to the project as well as administrate financial donations.
Joy Kutney is the Project Coordinator. Joy and Ken reside in Steveston, B.C. along with their 5 children (2 with Cleft Lip / Palate and Autism); she is passionate about the care of children and is well versed on the educational and family needs of challenged children. For more on their story see www.kenkutney.com
Fabiola Florian de Sale, M.A. (Therapeutic Psychology) is the Director of Hand-in-Hand and will be on site at the school. Fabiola has a great deal of experience running such an educational project.We are looking for businesses, churches and friends to partner with us to plant seeds of hope – extending a hand of support to the child and the whole family.
How Does It Work?
A very reasonable rate will be paid by those families who can afford to send their children to the Hand-in- Hand centre. For families who cannot afford education for their child(ren), monthly child sponsorship opportunities will be provided to North American partners, like you. In addition, revenue generated by school tuition fees will be used to help needy families as well as financing the Director’s and teachers’ salaries. Here is the key: The project is run by the Dominican people themselves! Their salaries reflect the going rate within their country. Overhead costs are minimal with the greatest cost being the rental of a facility, and the eventual purchase of a property.
Getting Started
The start-up cost for this project is only $10,000 for the teachers’ salary and to secure a long-term facility lease. Further support of the project will go towards school equipment and child sponsorship, as well as medical and therapeutic advice.
The project will benefit approximately 100 students and their families. Keeping children in school and off the streets reduces crime and dramatically lowers the risk of violence against children.
Doctors, teachers and qualified counsellors are in place and ready to begin!
...Can you lend a hand?
PLEASE NOTE: For those interested in making a donation, money you mail in will go through a registered charitable society, and a year-end tax receipt will be issued.
“Hand-in-Hand”
c/o Anonby Missionary Society
Box 1286 Prince George, B.C.
V2L 4V3
