DOMINICAN REPUBLIC: Salesian shelter for youth celebrates 25 years in operation
Services have expanded to include educational, psychological support
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
(MissionNewswire) The Stay with Us Shelter, located in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, gives youth who have been living on the street a home, family, school and a safe space to grow up. In December, the shelter celebrated 25 years of dedicated service to those most in need, and it continues to welcome youth in situations of vulnerability and abuse.
As the shelter grew so did its services. The shelter now includes a day program for youth who need support on a daily basis. The shelter also offers school support, educational workshops, recreational spaces, and psychological support for both youth and their families.
Several events marked the anniversary. A celebration was held on Dec. 5 for those currently living in the home, followed by a Dec. 7 meeting with former residents of the home that included a Catholic Mass and continued with moments of sharing among current and former residents. On Dec. 8, the whole community celebrated the work of the shelter and the impact it has had on youth and families in the region.
At the conclusion of the celebrations, the Salesians at the center said, “We carry on and will continue our mission forming good Christians and upright citizens, as St. John Bosco taught us.”
Nearly half of youth under the age of 18 live in poverty in the Dominican Republic, according to UNICEF. Although the country’s economy has been steadily improving, the country’s poor people still struggle to get enough food to eat and to access safe drinking water and adequate housing. Only 30% of youth finish primary school and only 18% finish secondary school on time. Schools are in poor shape with nearly half having no access to safe drinking water and more than 60% lacking adequate bathroom facilities.
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Sources:
ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS)
UNICEF – Dominican Republic
