Yspaniola

Batey Libertad Learning Center​

Peace Through Literacy: Advancing Human Rights and the SDGs in Batey Libertad

 At Yspaniola’s Learning Center, we believe that literacy is a foundation for peace, dignity, and opportunity. Through literacy-focused tutoring classes, we provide Spanish language instruction to more than 150 students ages 4 to 15 in Batey Libertad—many of whom speak Spanish as a second language. Our curriculum, aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (especially SDGs 4, 10, and 16), bridges critical gaps left by the under-resourced public education system, fostering fundamental reading skills such as phonics, comprehension, and fluency.

More than just a tutoring program, our Learning Center promotes education for human rights by nurturing emotional intelligence, critical thinking, and peaceful conflict resolution. With an emphasis on individualized attention, we conduct regular assessments—including preschool readiness checks, phonics evaluations, and progress tracking using the Reading A to Z system—to ensure every child has the support needed to thrive academically and socially.

EVERY CHILD

should be able to grow healthy and happy, and that includes fair access to education.

Learning Center Library

Over the years, and thanks to your generous donations, we have organized a small school library. Our book selection is organized by reading level, following the Reading A to Z System to make it easy for students to select the correct book for their level. We hope that by offering students a wide selection of books, we can foster a love for reading in the community. Not only do we believe in the power of reading, but we recognize that one of the key factors of illiteracy is a lack of access to books and magazines. We incorporate these books in our curriculum and daily lesson plans with our students as early as 4 years old and host weekly open reading hours. We always appreciate more book donations.