Challenged by the wealth gap
All countries practicing capitalism must deal with an ever widening gap between the rich and poor. The severity of the problem and how it is handled is a reflection of the country's social problem. Despite being the second largest economy in Central America, more than 40% of Dominicans live below the poverty line, and the country's unemployment rate is over 15%. The richest 10% of Dominicans receives nearly 40% of its national income. To understand the plight of the impoverished Dominicans, today we continue our Dominican Republic series by taking you into the slums of the nation's capital.
Slums right outside of the capital
Right beneath this bridge over the Ozama River, that leads into the Dominican capital, Santo Domingo, is a slum. Thousands of simply constructed metal shacks lean on each other for support, and extend into the hill of surrounding mountains.
Upon entering the community, children can be seen enjoying themselves by the river.
Unimaginable living conditions
It is hard to imagine thousands of people actually live in such a harsh environment on a daily basis.
Resident Francisco Rodreque: "Whenever it rains hard, the river water will rise, flooding into the community and bringing in tons of trash".
Each shack is built of sheet metal, and any wall can be easily become an entrance. The densely populated community is full of outsiders trying to make it big here in the capital. 29 yr old Eddie invites the visiting Tzu Chi volunteers into his roughly 170 sq. ft. shack, which he built eight years ago. The small home is now overcrowded due to increase in family members.
Resident, Eddy Casodo: "We have eight children. I have three of my own. My partner has 5 children herself".
Continue to chase dreams of grand city lives
The small abode actually has a toilet, which is just outside without a roof for abundant fresh air and natural light. Unaware and unable to comprehend the plight of their lives, the innocent children welcome these Asian strangers by singing a song.
Waving goodbye to the volunteers as they leave, the slum residents continue to live in the shadow of glistering city life masking the ever growing problems of the gap between the rich and the poor.
A school for the impoverished children
Tzu Chi volunteers next arrive in a slum inside the capital. Here, a small foundation has set up a small school tutoring young children.
This the volunteers' third visit. They brought posters of Jing Si Aphorisms this time around to share with the students.
The volunteers also get down and help with teaching the children.
School short on funding and resources
Miquelina Vargas runs this school and rents this location for roughly 100 US dollars a month. Thirty-four students of various backgrounds attend this school. Some are from single families, some have unemployed parents, and some have no birth certificate, and are therefore unable to attend public schools.
Some parents can afford to pay the roughly 7 US dollars in monthly tuition but it can barely help keep the school operational. One light bulb inside the school provides lighting for both its classrooms.
Including Miquelina, there are five volunteers who teach at the school. Miquelina is 32 and loves children, but she cannot give birth; thus, she treats these students as if they were her own.
Teacher, Miquelina Vargas: "Sometimes I get tired and feel like I can't go on but the children's love for me reenergizes me. When I get sick, the children tend to me, and hug me. What they give me is priceless. Yes, I may be caring for them, but I am receiving priceless gifts in return".
Sharing a common goal
With a common interest in tending to the needs of impoverished children, Tzu Chi volunteers fully support Miquelina.
Tzu Chi volunteer, Zhang Cihui: "I respect her a lot. She is not well off at all herself, yet she has the heart and determination to take on such a task. We met because we heard she was looking for any support for the school. She went to many people to ask for help. That's very commendable".
Teacher, Miquelina Vargas: "I was really surprised upon meeting Tzu Chi. The volunteers were very willing to work with me and help the students. They also come here regularly to interact with the children, and show they do care. That's quite unusual. I like Tzu Chi too".
Promoting TC community service mission
Proactive and determined: this is the attitude Tzu Chi volunteers all share on this Caribbean nation. Continuing to serve and better the communities, the volunteers plan to visit the slums once a week, to teach the children and inspire them with Jing Si aphorisms. Hopefully, the wisdom of Still Thoughts and the kindness of the volunteers will flow forward, improving the quality of life in the slums. Most importantly, the volunteers want these people to know they are not forgotten.
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They need to quit having damn kids. Anyone with business sense knows kids = financial death!
agenthelios1 7 months ago
8 childrens, my god.
elchippe 8 months ago
yeah well its pritty much the same thing with either the haitians or the dominicans if you realize cuz everyone sees that island as the same!!!anywayssss!!such ignorants!!!its not u guys' fault...i understand ignorance is second nature!oups sad story
sassounette040991 9 months ago
Im part dominican and our family live in the rich part ..I never thought it was so bad like this..
belleragazza1 1 year ago
Haitians ( in the other side of the island) live worst then the poor people in this country. So i'm happy that i was born i DR :)
This video is just simple the very poor part of my country, there is many other places that are more interesting to record.
quisqueyatv 2 years ago