From the beginning...
In July 1997, 25 high school students embarked on a month-long service trip to the Dominican Republic with VISIONS Service Adventures. Work projects consumed the morning hours, leaving afternoons free to explore. On one such afternoon, the group visited a batey.
In 1997 the bateyes were still government owned and operated sugar-cane farms, and sugar was the chief export of the Dominican Republic. On their afternoon visit, unaware of the economic significance of sugar or of the history of the bateyes, the VISIONS participants walked through the narrow, overcrowded, urine-stained streets. Garbage was strewn beside makeshift shacks and along the ditches already overflowing with raw sewage. In spite of these shocking living conditions, the eager, inquisitive faces of the children overshadowed their malnourished bodies and tattered clothing.
Shocked and disturbed by the impoverished conditions they saw and the seeming hopelessness of the batey communities, the VISIONS participants decided to act. They conceived of a scholarship fund that would give children living in the batey access to an education comparable to that of most of their Dominican peers.
Thanks to the help of our friends and educators in the Dominican Republic, Lidia Espino, Santo Ramos, Alberto Ramos, and the hard work of many VISIONS participants since 1997 who have donated their time and money, the BCF has provided over 45 annual scholarships and graduated three students.
Our Mission
The Batey Children's Fund (BCF) provides educational scholarships to children living in the Dominican bateyes so that they can earn an education comparable to that of their Dominican peers.
FAQ
How is BCF funded?
Our funds come from a number of private donors, including VISIONS participants and alumni, as well as their family, friends, schools, and classmates.
Who operates the Fund today?
The Batey Children's Fund is operated by a number of volunteers in the United States and the Dominican Republic. Maggie Feinstein and Aubra Levine oversee communications, marketing, and fundraising activities. Lidia Ramos (pictured at right) monitors on-the-ground, day-to-day operations in the Dominican Republic. In March 2005 the Batey Children's Fund affiliated with Kindred Spirits Foundation (KS), a 501 (c) 3 not-for-profit foundation that supports community development initiatives in impoverished communities worldwide. Kindred Spirits adminsters financial operations for the Batey Children's Fund.
What percentage of donations are set-aside for administrative expenses?
In order to ensure that the majority of funds goes to direct support of our students, the Batey Children's Fund remains a volunteer-run organization. As a result we can keep administrative costs (postage, transportation to and from the batey) to less than 3% of our average annual income.
How can I learn more about the Batey Children's Fund students?
Please visit The Students section to learn more.
From what bateyes in the Dominican Republic do the students come?
Our students reside in Batey San Luis, which is roughly 20 minutes outside of Santo Domingo. This batey is relatively close to El Milloncito or Sabana Perdida where Lidia Espino lives, which means she can visit the batey regularly to maintain close contact with the children and their teachers.
