Child Champions Provide Support in a Safe Place to Children and Their Families
Central America and the Caribbean countries of Haiti and the Dominican Republic are known for scenic landscapes, beautiful beaches, traditional cuisine, and diverse culture. Where else can you hike with llamas one day, surf in warm waters the next, and visit ancient ruins the next? Central American and Caribbean countries are an adventurer’s paradise.
But the Central American and Caribbean countries where OneChild works are also places where vulnerability to natural disasters, strained economies, and limited educational and employment opportunities inhibit growth and prosperity. Nearly 30% of the population of Central America and the Caribbean nations of Haiti and the Dominican Republic lives in poverty. And since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, students have lost an estimated 1½ years of learning, which affects the futures of the youngest and most vulnerable. These countries also struggle with domestic abuse, child labor, gang violence, lack of access to health care, and food insecurity.
Thankfully, OneChild has been working in this region to bring hope and help since 2000. OneChild partners with local churches in the hardest places to offer the spiritual support, tutoring, help with school fees and supplies, nutritious food, clean water, and income-generating training needed to help children discover their God-given potential and impact their communities. Child Champions provide kids in poverty with access to Hope Centers, safe places where they are listened to, loved, and encouraged to dream big about their future.
Click on the countries below to explore the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, and Nicaragua!