Dominican Hope is currently raising funds to build a pre-school in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic.  This school will house 300 disadvantaged 2-5 year-olds.  At present, there is only one school of this nature, which has 185 children in attendance.  Currently, there is a waiting list in the thousands for future enrollments.  Children are accepted at no charge based on their needs.  They attend pre-school Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM.  Each day, the children receive breakfast and lunch, learn social skills, and receive medical care.  They spend nine worry-free hours being little boys and girls who can play, learn, and smile knowing that they are in a safe environment.  While at pre-school, they can forget about the stressful and grim reality that waits for them outside of the school walls.  Doesn't every child deserve this opportunity?

OUR HISTORY

During the 15 years that our organization has been traveling to Puerto Plata, we have seen the devastating conditions of a Third World country first-hand.  It's impossible to forget these images.  With a desire to help, we began collecting and distributing school supplies, clothing, toys, and little league baseball uniforms.  As our involvement grew, we realized that attending public school was not an option for everyone.  There just aren't enough schools to accommodate the vast number of children.  In November of 2007, the Mayor of Puerto Plata, Walter Musa, enlisted our help for the completion of a special project.  A site has already been secured for the development of a second pre-school.  Unfortunately, additional funds are needed to cover the construction costs.  Without an education, all hopes of climbing out of poverty are lost.  We are determined to make this dream a reality.