Esmely D.

Personal Information

Reference #: DR-VP1-0446
Age:  11
Birthday:  September 4
Gender:  Female
Grade:  Fourth
Educational Goals:  Painter
Favorite Subjects:  Math
Favorite Activity:  Play with Friends
Favorite Food:  Rice, Beans
Favorite Bible Story and/or Verse:  Moses
Spiritual Life:  Attends Church, Likes to Sing, Memorizes Bible Verses, Prays

My Community: Algodon

In 1997, COTN began its first ministry in the Dominican Republic in the batey of Algodón. 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.

Children in the Algodón Village Partnership Program live with their families in wood or block homes with metal roofs. Electricity is unreliable and many people use communal latrines. Most families make a living through farming, construction, or small businesses. But they struggle to afford things like food and medical care. 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.

Thanks to sponsors like you, COTN is able to provide these children with things like daily meals, school fees, medical care, spiritual guidance, and essential hygiene and school supplies. Today, Algodón has a new school and a clean water system and has celebrated the success of COTN students who have graduated from university. 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.