Hope for Haitian Immigrant & Refugee Communities
Project esperanza
Empowering Lives through Education, Compassion, and Opportunity in the Dominican Republic.
Why It Matters
Access to education is a critical lifeline for Haitian immigrant and refugee children in the Dominican Republic. Without proper documentation and facing ongoing societal hurdles, many struggle to receive formal schooling. This perpetuates a cycle of poverty and limits future opportunities. Education offers not only academic achievement but also a sense of stability, community, and hope for a brighter future amidst adversity. Project Esperanza recognizes that education is a powerful tool for empowerment and integration.
What We Do
Education
We run two schools specifically designed for Haitian immigrant children in the Dominican Republic, as well as host a summer camp and provide scholarships for secondary education.
Community Support
We provide housing, food, and family structure for a group of vulnerable youth and young adults. We provide aid when needed to families in the communities where we work.
Educational Farm
We lead educational field trips, teach sustainable practices, and provide an outdoor learning space for our community.
Get to know us
Some quick stats
30+
local employees
150+
students
20+
years in Puerto Plata
100 %
committed
Where We Work
Project Esperanza primarily serves the communities of Munoz & Padre Granero in Puerto Plata. These communities are home to significant populations of Haitian immigrants, and it is within these communities that we proudly operate our schools.
“Trustworthiness”
If you are considering donating or helping this cause in any way you can be guaranteed that your dollar will go as far as possible and that you’ve put your trust in the right place.
Reenie605
“Collaboration and solidarity”
Everyone involved made me feel safe and welcomed into the community. I felt like I was working with the locals, not for the locals.
VTVolunteer
“Cultural Insight”
The organization’s administrators, school staff, and the community members are incredible people, who have significant local knowledge to share.
Karie
Show you care by staying informed
Recent News
- About the School’s Dress CodeAt Project Esperanza, we value the comfort and safety of our students, and we ask our volunteers to help us uphold these standards through their attire. Please read the following guidelines carefully, as your clothing choices have a significant cultural… Read more: About the School’s Dress Code
- Protests in BávaroOn Monday, there were comments among students and teachers about something that happened in Bávaro, an area that is not close to where we are in Puerto Plata, but where many Haitians go to work construction. It’s right next to… Read more: Protests in Bávaro
- Challenges with DeportationsOn Monday, many of our students’ parents were afraid to send them to school because Immigration Control was rounding up and deporting many Haitians. Deportations have definitely increased lately. Yesterday morning, Kamryn and I got stuck behind a truck, pictured here.… Read more: Challenges with Deportations
How to Make a Difference
Sponsor a student, donate to a campaign, volunteer your time or spread the word!
Be Their Hero. Make a donation
Connect
©2025 Project Esperanza. All rights reserved.