Yspaniola

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About US
Our Work
Yspaniola is an education-focused nonprofit organization based in Batey Libertad, Dominican Republic.
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Dominican Republic
Where we Work
In the Dominican Republic, more than 200,000 people live in bateys, which are marginalized rural communities with limited access to clean water, electricity, sanitation, education and healthcare.
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Community Empowerment
What do we believe in
Yspaniola believes that by creating quality education programs from preschool through university and encouraging civic participation, we can support community action necessary for change.
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On the Ground
How do we achieve our vision
Yspaniola offers services to over 100 children in Spanish literacy classes, 5 University Scholars getting a degree, and through a Summer School for Early Learners and Teens. Our employment policy also prioritizes local talent, with 3 Teaching Assistants, 5 Teachers, and 2 Program Directors from the community.
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Mission 

Yspaniola is committed to providing inclusive, high-quality education to marginalized communities in Batey Libertad and Santo Domingo. We support individuals from diverse backgrounds through an intersectional lens, fostering leadership, academic achievement, and social empowerment. We focus on building sustainable, community-driven solutions to break cycles of poverty and inequality. By nurturing local talent and advocating for human rights, we aim to create lasting, impactful change in the communities we serve while inspiring broader global solidarity.

Challenge

The Dominican Republic is home to hundreds of bateys—isolated communities where residents of Haitian descent face extreme marginalization. These communities lack access to fundamental civil and human rights, such as education, healthcare, and citizenship. Generations of families live without the ability to vote, travel, or gain legal status, leaving them trapped in cycles of poverty and exclusion. Furthermore, thousands of Dominicans of Haitian descent living in cities also experience severe discrimination and struggle to access essential services. This systemic denial of rights exacerbates social inequality and limits opportunities for economic advancement, perpetuating generational hardship.

Pathway to Change

Since 2009, Yspaniola has been committed to providing high-quality education programs for children and youth in Batey Libertad, from pre-K through university. We focus on breaking down barriers to education for marginalized communities and empowering young people with the tools they need to succeed. As we move forward, we aim to expand these programs, adapting them to meet the unique needs of each new community we serve. Learn more about our transformative work below, and subscribe to our newsletter for updates!

62.3% of the Dominican population has not acquired reading proficiency by the age of 10. It is even higher in rural settings with high levels of poverty.

(MEPyD, 2021).

Discover our

University Scholarship Program

Yspaniola provides full university scholarships, extracurricular tutoring, and professional development to deserving students from Batey Libertad.

Summer Camp

Each summer we organize, with a team of short-term local & international volunteers, a loadful of activities for batey youth.

Batey Libertad Learning Center

We provide Literacy-focused Classes for students aged 4 to 15.

Community Empowerment

Along with our partners and rising community leaders, we support and accompany various projects yearly for the advancement of bateys residents.

Experiential Service-Learning Trips

Online or In-person, we accompany Universities and High School in their discovery of Carribean realities and 21st century development challenges for inclusive education efforts.

Every year, hundreds of children are denied their
basic rights to access quality education.