Press Reports on Sosua Kids

Two local publications, Sosua News and The Adscene, have recently published articles on Sosua Kids' distribution of vouchers and supplies to needy local children which took place at the beginning of August.  Sosua News is published online.  Click here to see the article , which is called "Back To School With Sosúa Kids!" and  was originally published on 15 August.

The Adscene is distributed widely in the Sosua area and can also be viewed online.  Click here to go to its home page. The article, called "School Uniforms and Supplies For Local Children" was published in its issue for 18 - 24 August which can be seen by clicking here.  However a number of printing errors appeared in the published version and we therefore provide below the correct version of this article, together with a few extra photos.

School Uniforms and Supplies For  Local Children

Dominican children have the right to receive education free of charge but they are not allowed to attend school unless they have the necessary uniforms and supplies.  Unfortunately many families in Sosua and the surrounding area cannot afford to buy these items for their children. 

This is where the charity Sosua Kids steps in - by providing  school uniforms and supplies to as many as possible children from poor local families.  Children are issued with vouchers, which they can exchange at the Casa Nelson store in Puerto Plata for uniforms and supplies up to a value of 1,500 pesos, and/or with supplies (backpacks, pens, pencils, exercise books etc.) which have been donated to Sosua Kids over the previous year.

These are distributed each August  immediately before the start of the new school year.  This year it was done mainly at two distribution points, Beach Way Plaza in Sosua and the school at La Cienaga, where volunteer helpers handed out vouchers and supplies to eligible children.  The children were photographed, showing an identity number, so that their progress at school and eligibility for continued support for next year can be checked.

Backpacks containing supplies ready to be taken to the distribution point.

For the year 2011/2012 vouchers for uniforms etc have been provided to 440 children and  backpacks, with pens, paper and other school items, have been distributed to 299 others.  This is a significant increase on earlier years thanks to the generosity of donors and other supporters of Sosua Kids.

Two mothers, whose children have received support, help us check names.

The continuing need for the help which Sosua Kids provides to the local community is all too apparent.  It is funded entirely by money which the charity itself is able to raise.  Now that the distribution for 2011 has taken place it is time to start raising funds for next year.  Local residents can help, for example

-       By making a donation.  These can be left at several locations in Sosua including The Britannia, Jolly Roger, Checkpoint and Donovan’s Reef bars and The Book Nook bookshop.  Alternatively you can contact Sosua Kids direct by emailing info@sosuakids.com

-      By attending fund-raising events.  These include events which the charity organises itself such as its Christmas Fair planned for December.  Sosua Kids also benefits from events organised by others to support local charities – such as the weekly Pub Trivia and Bingo games run respectively by The Britannia and Jolly Roger bars.

More information about the charity can be found at www.sosuakids.com.

A few of the children helped by Sosua Kids.

Click here to see more photos of the voucher and supplies distribution process in The Gallery section of this web site.