Children are at risk
Nearly 28% of the total population of the Dominican Republic is under the age of 15. Although the country is one of the fastest growing economies in the region, the children living there face many challenges including lack of access to health and primary education. They are at risk of being exploited and forced to work. Children without parental care need special support and protection so that they can grow up in safety
1 in 10
Children is forced to work in the Dominican Republic
Child labour
Around 1 in 10 children is forced to work in the Dominican Republic. Many children are obliged to support their struggling families with income. They often work in extremely hazardous conditions in agriculture, domestic work, construction, street work and even scavenging in landfills.
Working in these extremely dangerous environments can affect children mentally and physically. The increase in tourism, human and drug trafficking all contribute to children being exploited for commercial gains.
40%
Of children do not finish primary school
Low level of education
Around 40% of children do not finish primary school in the Dominican Republic. Even though school is free, many children can’t afford to go there because they can’t pay for the uniform or basic school materials. Families need more support so that their children can stay in school.
Those that are able to attend receive a very low level of academic education.
In addition, 1 in 4 teenage girls drop out of school due to pregnancy.
40%
Of people live in poverty in Dominican Republic
Losing parental care
Over 40% of people live in poverty, with over 10% living in extreme poverty.
In some case, when families cannot access support, children lose the care of their families.
Many end up fending for themselves: the National Council for Children and Adolescents supports 18,000 children who have no home. The main two reasons why children are do not have a home is because families cannot care for them, or because they leave due to violence in the home.
Together we can make a difference for children in Dominican Republic
30
Children and young people
Are supported on their way to independence
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SOS Children’s Villages supports young men and women while they get ready to live on their own (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Dominican Republic).
Working together for sustainable development
In 2015, leaders from 193 countries committed to the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This 15 year plan aims to improve the lives of people by ending poverty, fighting inequality and protecting the planet.
GOAL 1: End poverty
SOS Children’s Villages supports families and communities to keep families together and to help them break out of the cycle of poverty.
GOAL 4: Ensure quality education for all
Every child and young person SOS Children’s Villages supports has access to education, from kindergarten right up to vocational training or university.
GOAL 8: Equal job opportunities for all
SOS Children’s Villages supports young people in developing the skills and self-confidence they need to find decent work and trains parents so that they can have a stable income.
GOAL 10: Reduce inequalities
SOS Children’s Villages works to keep children safe, by promoting peaceful and inclusive communities. We provide training on children’s rights and positive parenting.
GOAL 16: Promote peaceful and inclusive societies
We advocate laws and practices that ensure social inclusion and protection for children and young people without parental care or from marginalized households.
Let’s keep on protecting children and young people!
Many children have been able to find a safe and secure home. With your help, we can continue to change their lives