Back to School for Students in the Batey!

Our September 2020 Little by Little Campaign made it possible for Yspaniola to provide children of Batey Libertad with literacy classes during the COVID-19 pandemic. At the time of this fundraiser, we were unsure whether we could hold in-person, COVID-informed classes for our students. We would need an abundant amount of sanitation equipment, masks, and thermometers to make our intended classes a reality. Since this fundraiser, we have used the $3,071 that we raised to do just that.

We pledged that funds raised would go towards “providing in-person tutoring to students who have not yet mastered reading and writing, in a COVID-19 safe environment with one teacher for every three students, from October through December”. Since the beginning of October, we have met our goal and are currently providing literacy training to 61 children in the batey. Students enjoy four, hour-long sessions per week alongside three to six classmates. Students are learning at a steady pace and enjoying a safe learning environment. Before entering the classroom, students are provided with masks and wash their hands thoroughly. They also have their temperature taken using contactless digital thermometers that we purchased with the funds raised. Beyond gaining literacy skills at a pivotal age, students are learning how to keep themselves and their communities safe during the pandemic. 

Additionally, we pledged to “provide nutritional support to families in the batey by sending students home from sessions with food packages”. In addition to the daily snack and drink at the end of class, the fundraiser has allowed us to provide two pounds of rice, one pound of beans, a can of tuna, and chicken stock for each student to take home to their family weekly. This effort  aims to reduce food insecurity during a critical time and to expand our reach beyond the students we see in the classroom each day to their families. 

The funds raised from this Little By Little Fundraiser have kickstarted a remarkably successful program in our community. Thanks to our donors, we were able to fully implement our educational goals and provide students with a safe classroom environment to continue learning during COVID. We are excited to continue this program through December with the intention of extending it further.