Key Metrics

  • 12%
    of the population has migrated
  • 15%
    of youth 15-24 are unemployed
  • 21%
    of Dominicans live in poverty
  • 91%
    of the population is literate

Current Situation

The Dominican Republic has seen its economy grow at one of the fastest rates in Latin America and the government has worked to reduce government spending, lower energy costs, and decrease public debt. Despite these advances, however, the education system remains underperforming and many students are behind in reading and math benchmarks.

The ecology in the Dominican Republic is threatened due to water shortages, soil erosion, and deforestation. Environmental issues, furthermore, often imply major health risks for Dominicans including bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, typhoid fever, and dengue fever. The country is at risk for mining abuses due to the presence of the Pueblo Viejo Gold and Silver Mine, one of the largest gold mines in the world.

The migrant situation in the Dominican Republic is complex. The country is home to 115,283 Venezuelans who are economic and political refugees. There are also 133,770 stateless individuals, mainly descendants of Haitian immigrants, who arrived as labor sources for sugar plantations. Unfortunately, their citizenship has been revoked due to changes in naturalization law. While the government has issued documents to these individuals and passed legislation declaring a path for those who may claim citizenship, it is a difficult process for many to navigate and often leaves them stuck in bureaucratic mazes.

The Solution

Community led responses that address educational needs, respect the rights of migrants, and care for our Common Home are essential to a sustainable approach. Our current response supports access to high-quality health services by contributing to the Nuestra Señora del Buen Consejo Medical Dispensary for the mostly Haitian population living in the Batey Lechería community of the Dominican Republic. Through the project, medical equipment and supplies are delivered, and staff is trained on issues related to teamwork and service to others. The project supports the migrant community and the staff and community of our Fe y Alegría partner in the region to care for those living at the margins.

Our Partners

Our partners in the Dominican Republic include Fe y Alegría.