Dominican Republic Projects: Education
A Light on the Way School (Una Luz en el Camino)
Nov. 5th Report: Click Here
Aguas Negras
Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
The community of Aguas Negras is located right in Puerto Plata. The Spanish name of the village translates into Black Water. The community is located near the city’s sewage treatment plant, but the plant does not serve the community. The “black water” literally runs through the street.
This is a very poor area right on the coast. Because of the poverty people either do not have the resources or the knowledge of registering the birth of their children. When no papers are available for a child, then that child is unable to attend school. Children in Aguas Negras had no hope of education until recently.
A woman named Sandra Tineo started a small school in half of her rented house. Later missionaries visiting the country saw the vision of this small, but fiery Dominican woman and partnered with her to see the vision grow. Property was purchased and old buildings were torn down. The first level of the school was put up and classes begun in August 2003. 80 to 120 children attend. Besides Sandra who is the director, there are now four school teachers. School dates run from August through May.
The second level is finished and now the upstairs has been used for Bible studies and a clinic available for people in the community. Sharing teams will help continue to build onto the school and perhaps even help with the medical clinic. Some supplies that are needed currently are Spanish books, sewing machines and good computers.
Sandra Equino (Married name) Tineo her maiden name