Lilis School, Puerto Plata

In Puerto Plata, many children grow up under conditions that limit their opportunities from an early age: high inflation, unemployment, poverty, and parents who often lack the education to support their families. Many mothers are single parents, struggling to survive day by day. This is exactly where Lilis School steps in – as a place that makes hope tangible.

Thanks to previous support, the school has achieved a lot in recent years: a shell building was completed, additional classrooms were built, furniture was provided, operating costs covered, and even solar panels installed to reduce long-term energy costs. Even children with autism receive almost free afternoon care – a service that is rare in the region.

Education, however, does not end in the classroom. Lilis School sees families as the key to real change. That is why the new project targets not only the children but also their parents and the wider community. Two main focus areas are at the heart of the program:

1. Parent School – Financial Education & Micro-Enterprises
   Workshops teach budgeting, debt management, small-scale saving, marketing, and building small businesses. A women’s cooperative is planned – a safe space where mothers can develop economic strength together.
2. Health, Empowerment & Education for Girls
   Education on the body, rights, sexuality, self-protection, and mental health empowers girls to grow up with autonomy. Mentoring programs, creative workshops, and medical consultations create spaces where they feel safe and can thrive.

The planned activities – materials, fees, educational and environmental initiatives – strengthen the entire community. Lilis School becomes far more than just a school: it is a place where children, parents, and especially girls learn to rethink themselves and their future. An investment that extends far beyond a single school year.