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Dominican Republic

Compassion partnership began 1970

EST. 1970

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Hola! When you arrive in the Dominican Republic, you’ll be stepping into warm weather. Its golden beaches make it a popular holiday destination and the set of popular movies like Jurassic Park and Pirates of the Caribbean. In its neighbourhoods, or barrios, you’ll meet children playing baseball in the streets using makeshift equipment.

Population

11 M

Capital city

Santo Domingo

Local time

Current Weather

, 0°C

Distance to Australia

16,081 km
Every child deserves to grow up feeling safe and secure. But for children in the Dominican Republic, the deep-rooted cycle of poverty can feel impossible to break. Nearly half of youth drop out of school early, leading to heartbreaking realities such as child labour, unemployment, early marriage and early pregnancies.

Poverty in the Dominican Republic

57%
of people do not have access to adequate sanitation facilities
55%
of people do not have safe drinking water in their homes
44%
of youth drop out of school early

Yet God's Church is on the move in the Dominican Republic. Local churches are empowering children to stay in school by providing additional support in reading, writing and mathematics. By providing bathrooms and water purification systems, children once struggling with frequent illness are experiencing the blessing of good health.

Compassion in the Dominican Republic

234
local church partners
62,307

children supported

1,008

babies and their mums supported

Impact in action

Gabriel, 20

Change is happening across the Dominican Republic. Gabriel spent his teenage years without a father, which could have easily pushed him onto a path of crime and dropping out of school. Instead, at his local church, he was encouraged to channel his energy into baseball, making sure he didn’t lose sight of the future God had in store.

“I'm passionate about the baseball strategies we put into action in every game, teamwork, and leaving a legacy of good sportsmanship and good behaviour to the younger generations of my community. They can look to me and witness that it’s possible to defeat poverty.”
Gabriel, 20

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Pray for children who are vulnerable to the effects of violence and crime.

Pray that children, youth and caregivers experiencing mental health challenges will experience God's unending peace.

Pray for families who are affected by the rising cost of living.

Pray that children and youth can remain in school and that they would be protected from child labour or dangerous working conditions.

Pray that God will provide children with safe drinking water and bathrooms to support their health and dignity.

Pray for your neighbours

Join local churches in bringing these requests before God.

WATCH

WATCH

See the stories. Feel the impact. Move with compassion.

9 Dec 2024
How Cricketer Marnus Labuschagne Is Giving Back This Year
This cricket season, Australian cricketer Marnus Labuschagne is partnering with Compassion to support vulnerable children. Discover what’s on his cricket bat and why he’s calling on Australians to join him in making an impact.

Read more

15 Oct 2024
Five Reasons to Feel Hopeful on Poverty Eradication Day
Feeling overwhelmed by the fight against global poverty? You’re not alone. As we approach the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, let’s explore the progress we’ve made and the reasons for hope.

Read more

11 Sept 2023
Hope in the Neighbourhood: Your 2023 Impact
In what has been a year of significant financial burdens in Australia, I am so thankful for your partnership and the love you have shown for your global neighbours.

Read more

3 Mar 2022
Act To End These Five Confronting Realities For Girls In Poverty
FGM, period poverty, child marriage, trafficking and disrupted education—these are real issues that girls living in poverty contend with every day. The challenges are immense, but they are not insurmountable.

Read more

5 Aug 2021
Poverty Explored Part 1: What is Poverty?
Poverty has a devastating impact on children, taking away their chance to learn and play, and instead leads to exploitation, violence or even death. Children are often the most vulnerable members of the community and poverty leaves them thinking that they don’t matter.

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1 Apr 2021
Good Morning Devotional: Day 4
Holy Thursday is a day that commemorates the Last Supper—a moment to sit, connect and break bread together. As we reflect on the uncommon group of disciples who gathered with Jesus in His final days, we are reminded of His extravagant love: that He died so that we could live.

Read more

30 Apr 2020
Inspiring Mothers Who Defied all Odds
When it comes to their children, a mother's love can defy all odds and overcome impossible hurdles. Here are five stories of mums in the Compassion family that are an inspiration to us all.

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27 Feb 2020
Birthdays Around The World
As children, birthday parties are memorable occasions! But when families barely have enough to support basic needs, birthday celebrations are often a luxury they can’t afford.

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22 May 2019
12 Fascinating Photos of Tiny Homes in the Developing World
The 'tiny home' movement is making its way across the world—but tiny homes are nothing new. People have lived in tiny homes for much of human history. Here are 12 fascinating photos of tiny homes from around the world.

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6 Sept 2016
10 Eye-Opening Photos of Classrooms In the Developing World
Most classroom in Australia look fairly similar. Although they might be decorated differently, you can pretty much expect to see the same things—some desks, a board, and maybe some computers. But what about the classrooms of children in Compassion’s programs? We all know education varies across the world, but so do the classrooms!

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Compassion Australia ABN 67 001 692 566. Authorised to fundraise in NSW (CFN/10658), VIC (FR0010734), QLD (CH1569), SA (CCP2632), TAS (F1A-208) and WA (20740). No authority to fundraise is required in the ACT or NT.