Dominican Republic

by Steph Ortiz | published on Dec 21, 2014

The island of Hispaniola is the home of both the Dominican Republic and Haiti. Both countries have shared the struggles of poverty, military dictatorships, and hurricanes. They also share beautiful beaches and pleasant warm weather. This island was one of the first conquered by the Europeans in the early 16th century. The indigenous population was wiped out and was replaced by African slaves. Now, opportunities are scarce and the economy is supported by money sent back to the island by those living in Puerto Rico or the United States. The economic measures established by the government have made life more difficult for the vast majority of the population which has taken to the street to demand justice. Pray for: The ministry of Xiomara Rosario-Savage, an ordained minister of the Evangelical Dominican Church, Co-Director of the Christian Center for Family Counseling as she provides new leadership to the institution in family counseling and therapy. ALFALIT Dominicano, an ecumenical literacy and development organization providing programs for children at risk. Mission Personnel Shannon Walker Shannon is a Global Mission Intern (GMI) and her is ministry is to work with Caminante’s outreach ministry to children. This position relates to providing pastoral ministries to children living in situations of hopelessness due to their economic condition. Caminante is an ecumenical organization based in Boca, Chica, a tourist area, which is located near the International Airport of Santo Domingo. The purpose of Caminante is to serve children who are at risk of being drawn into prostitution as a result of the culture associated with the tourist economy in the Dominican Republic. Caminante seeks to help develop the self-esteem of these children by teaching Christian values and through education and recreational activities. Also, Caminante works closely with the families, churches, and the community to raise awareness regarding the complexity of this problem. A Global Mission Intern is appointed by the Common Global Ministries Board of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the United Church of Christ. This ministry is possible because of funds provided by the Week of Compassion of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Partners Iglesia Evangelica Dominicana Acociacion Centro Cristiano de Asesoramiento Familiar (CECAF) Alfalit Domicano Servicio Social de Iglesias Dominicanas, Inc. (SSID) Proyecto Educativo Caminantes

The Dominican Republic is located in Caribbean, eastern two-thirds of the island of Hispaniola, between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, east of Haiti.

This island was one of the first conquered by the Europeans in the early 16th century. The indigenous population was wiped out and was replaced by African slaves. Now, opportunities are scarce and the economy is supported by money sent back to the island by those living in Puerto Rico or the United States. The economic measures established by the government have made life more difficult for the vast majority of the population which has taken to the street to demand justice.

Pray for: The ministry of Xiomara Rosario-Savage, an ordained minister of the Evangelical Dominican Church, Co-Director of the Christian Center for Family Counseling as she provides new leadership to the institution in family counseling and therapy.

ALFALIT Dominicano, an ecumenical literacy and development organization providing programs for children at risk.

Population (July 2014 est) – 10,349,741

Area – 30,240 miles

Capital – Santo Domingo

Ethnic Background

White – 16%

Mulatto & Mestizo – 73%

Black – 11%

Exports – ferronickel, sugar, gold, silver, coffee, cocoa, tobacco, meats, consumer goods

Imports – foodstuffs, petroleum, cotton and fabrics, chemicals and pharmaceuticals

Life Expectancy (2014 est) – M 76 years F 80 years

Infant Mortality (2014 est) – 19.63 deaths/1,000 live births

Adult Illiteracy Rate (2011 est) – 9.9%