Rio Grande is a small barrio just outside of Constanza, where children are beginning to have hope because of the new school in their community. Constanza is a town of about 90,000 inhabitants, located in a hilly area approximately 150-km from the capital city of Santo Domingo.

Because of the good climatic conditions, this is a strong agricultural area, however, there are large groups of people living in poverty. The people earn little and live in shacks without water and proper sanitation. Haitian's brought to the Dominican Republic to work on the sugar cane plantations, have even a more difficult time. They are often discriminated against.

There are many children in the Rio Grande/Constanza area who do not go to school because education has not been available to them. The construction of this school in Rio Grande, is bringing hope to the community and education to over 100 children. There will be many opportunities to engage with the children of Rio Grande, through crafts, kids club, and sport activities. We will also have the opportunity to visit families in their homes to learn more about life in Rio Grande.

The people living in Rio Grande, are hard working, friendly, and family oriented. The normal household income is less than $3000. per year. Living conditions are simple but challenging. Most families live in one or two room houses made of wood with tin roofs. Often kitchens and latrines are located outside of the house.