Guanin Center School Program, Dominican Republic.

One year after COVID-19 was declared a pandemic, our community in general has completely lost hope. Goods and services have been more distant and unattainable than ever. The residents of our community of La Piedra live in a territorial limbo called No Man's Land. Neither of the two municipalities of La Caleta and San Antonio de Guerra have wanted to take over responsibility. They have turned a blind eye, leaving 1,170 families in dire straits.

"One year after the start of the COVID-19 Pandemic, progress has receded in virtually all major childhood indicators" in and around La Piedra. Numerous experts have noted that, "The number of children who are hungry, isolated, abused, anxious, and living in poverty” is growing rapidly, “and there are many more youths who are forced to leave their homes and marry, most of whom are young women who have to marry men who are very old. At the same time, residents’ access to education, socialization, and some essential services such as health, nutrition, and protection has decreased. The signs that children will suffer the worst consequences of the pandemic for years to come are unmistakable."

We at the Guanin Foundation in La Piedra had to close our doors due to lack of economic resources. More than 360 children have been left without the Early Childhood Program, and more than 250 families who received support from the Good Parenting Program have been left out for lack of funds.

Here's how the COVID-19 Pandemic has affected children and the wider La Piedra community, and how we believe we must proceed to rectify the situation: Children must be at the forefront of recovery efforts. “To do this, schools must be prioritized in reopening plans. This means providing social protection, health, food, education, and more. And it also means providing essential services to the most vulnerable children. Only then can we avoid a lost generation.” Clearly, ”our community needs a helping hand.”

Donate today for the education program, you will receive a Tax Write-off Certificate from the U.S.A. , Canada, Switzerland and Germany Guanin Treasury so you can claim your tax deductions.