Education
The single most effective way to reduce poverty
Investing in education has, without a doubt, a dramatic effect in developing countries. Education not only raises income levels, but it improves health conditions, promotes gender equality, and combats corruption – ultimately reducing poverty.
Benefits of Education:
- Gives people critical skills and tools to help them better provide for themselves and their children
- Helps people work better and can create opportunities for sustainable and viable economic growth now and into the future
- Helps fight the spread of HIV/AIDS and other diseases, reduces mother and child mortality and helps improve health
- Encourages transparency, good governance, stability and helps fight against graft and corruption.
WORKING WITH SCHOOLS WHO NEED OUR HELP
ACES North America has worked with schools throughout the Dominican Republic including Santo Domingo, Las Terrenas, Angosto, and Mendoza. This ranges from facility repair, building outdoor play spaces, providing technology and equipment, as well as learning materials. Sometimes, we have taken a sponsorship role and helped enable Dominican students afford their education.
Business
Resources to Help Dominicans Provide for Themselves
OUR PHILOSOPHY:
We understand that most people want to be productive and self-sustaining, but may simply lack the training or resources to do so. While the occasional emergency outreach may be needed at times, most of our efforts go toward helping Dominicans earn a living by helping them overcome obstacles.
We facilitate the development of sustainable businesses from conception to completion. From training woodworkers, to teaching sustainable techniques to farmers, we are always looking for ways to develop the Dominican economy.
Microfinance is a term to describe financial services (such as small loans) to low-income individuals or to those who do not have access to banking services. The idea behind microfinance is that low-income individuals are capable of lifting themselves out of poverty if given access to financial services.
ACES is sponsoring several such projects at the moment. We’re always looking for exceptional Dominican social enterprises to fund, as well as investors to to increase our investment pool.
Triple Ozama Project
As part of our effort to develop sustainable businesses, we've revitalized several abandoned greenhouses in the Triple Ozama region. This project is being led by a group of woman who will be growing passion fruit and yucca with the support of their community.
The Arts
Inspiring people to identify their talents and create
INSPIRATION THROUGH ART AND MUSIC
ACES North America seeks to motivate and inspire people to look for ways they can make a difference in the world around them. By providing an opportunity to create and be creative, Dominicans are finding inspiration beyond art and into their daily lives.
El Taller: The Community Workshop Program
March 30, 2019 El Taller was launched with artist María Cristina Cadena in the community of La Barbacoa. It is a pilot partnership project between ACES North America, and the Fundación Mahatma Gandhi, the Neighborhood Association, and the Mother's Club.
Slated for 15 participants, because of high demand we had to start with 20 participants ages 6-13!! An afternoon session for older community people is also in the plans. Each session lasts four weeks and includes ten different craft projects.
The plan is to continue in other neighborhoods that request it. It is free for participants and funded by ACES North America.
Health
Improving the health of communities
WHAT WE'RE DOING
ACES is affiliated with a talented group of Dominican health and medical professionals who regularly commit to day-long health outreaches in remote communities. Each American service group teams up with these professionals to facilitate a scheduled outreach to provide basic health consultations, dental care, HIV/AIDS and diabetes testing, pharmaceuticals, counseling and family planning services. More than 500 patients are seen on a typical outreach day. ACES also regularly sends health and dental supplies donated from generous US individuals and groups, and hosts US medical and health professionals interested in making a difference as they volunteer at outreaches and in communities.
WHY WE’RE DOING IT
We realize that before people can invest in education or productive self-sustaining business ventures, they must have their immediate health needs met. The Dominican healthcare system, at best, serves those residing in urban areas. Citizens in rural environments have no access to even basic medical or dental services, which significantly impact their quality of life.
We firmly believe that investing in healthcare not only addresses a basic human right, but that it also allows the hardworking Dominican people to invest in their, and their children’s, futures.
ACES provides monetary and personnel support to communities in the DR. We sponsor clinics with medical equipment and supplies. We organize doctors, nurses, and dentists to volunteer their time in the clinics.
Community
Buildings can provide a place to grow
COMMUNITY BUILDINGS FOR BUSINESS, ART, EDUCATION, AND HEALTH
Through our years of working in the Dominican Republic, ACES has realized the importance of community buildings and the role they play in accomplishing a number of positive outcomes. A central meeting place provides after school programs, an area for crafters, mentoring, medical outreach, and let’s not forget dancing!
ACES works with local community leaders to help in building or renovating structures that will effectively serve the neighborhood. Sometimes a team of builders will travel from the US, and other times we simply provide the funds needed to complete the project.
Angosto Kids Club - Community Kitchen Project
THE PROBLEM
Tucked away in the mountains outside of Jarabacoa, DR is Angosto. Accessible by 4-wheel drive vehicle, horse, or dirt bike, this community has suffered since the roya fungus decimated their coffee crops years ago. Unfortunately, issues of material poverty, and later, spiritual poverty surfaced. Children too young to drive were sold, alcoholism was on the rise, and feuds within the community developed.
ACES’ INVOLVEMENT
The Angosto Kids Club was started 4 years ago by some concerned local citizens. ACES was introduced to these caring people in 2019 during a scouting trip. 12 months later we sent a crew of 8 volunteers for 2 weeks to aid in building the next phase of this project. A community kitchen.
Now meals are prepared for the children in the after school and summer programs. It is also a place for teaching. Providing a way to give the youth cooking lessons and a potential career.
Do You Have a Project for Us?
Complete the form below to start a conversation about your project needs. We will contact you for more information. If you have a whatsapp phone number, please include that in your description.