Agriculture is the main source of employment in the Dominican Republic.. Public education is offered in only the largest cities to a small portion of the population.  In rural areas only private education is available. Most families can not afford to send their children to school, which is why the literacy rate is low. Lack of government, infrastructure (water filtration, sewage, good paying jobs, educational opportunities) all play a part in the extreme poverty you will see.
 
While in the Dominican Republic our focus is mainly on Haitian villages.  These villages consist of destitute Haitians who most likely have crossed the boarder into the Dominican in hopes of finding enough work to provide food and shelter.  Haitians in the Dominican face additional racial prejudices.  They are considered the lower social class and have very few options for education or work.  Most Haitians can only find work in the sugar cane fields, even if they were fortunate enough to be educated. So, why do they come to the Dominican?  At it’s worst, the living conditions and minimal work opportunities are more hopeful than staying in Haiti.

When we visit Haitian villages in the Dominican you will see the poorest living conditions and hunger.  Although physically we come and share our resources and talents, spiritually we are trying to provide for an eternity.