Eva Russell School and Casa Monte Plata
Eva Russell School and Casa Monte Plata
A magnificent state-approved school serving 220 impoverished children in the middle eastern region of Dominican. The Monte Plata Centre cares for 40 abandoned and abused children as we try to reintegrate them back safely into their family or into foster care if this is not possible.
Monte Plata is an impoverished region in the middle east part of the Dominican Republic. Ravaged by poverty and a real lack of hope, we provide two projects that bring light to a very dark place.
The first is our Eva Russell school, which provides an excellent state-approved education to more than 220 of the region’s most vulnerable children. Initially a chicken coop (!), it is now a beautiful school with additional discipleship programmes and access to university scholarships for high school graduates. (Eva Russell was a Canadian missionary who inspired Ramon and Juana Prenza, citizens of the Dominican Republic, to start a programme for the children in Monte Plata.)
Christian staff meet the emotional, physical, educational, and spiritual needs of each child, including trauma informed care for those who have suffered trauma, especially neglect or physical/sexual abuse.
Casa Monta Plata is a residential support centre for about 40 of the region's most vulnerable children - the abandoned, abused, bereaved. Here, we provide residential support, food, shelter, education, Christian input, trauma counselling and more, as we aim to integrate the children back into safe, loving families.
“Casa Monte Plata overflows with God’s love thanks to the leadership of Juana and Ramon and their staff,” says Country Director Vic Trautwein.
Eva Russell School and Casa Monte Plata: A story of hope
Meet Miguel! (Name changed to protect privacy)
Miguel came to Casa Monte Plata years ago after his life fell apart. His mother died and his father, who struggled with substance abuse, was unable to care for or provide for him. In those dark days, he felt like there was no hope. But our great God stepped in! From the moment he entered our programme, Miguel was loved and nurtured holistically. He was given physical safety, healthy food, and quality academic instruction while also learning about the love of God.
What a joy to see him grow in gratefulness to God, instead of giving in to bitterness for the trauma of his past. Last year, Miguel graduated from high school, moved into a transition house, and took a year-long English course where he studied for four hours every day. He recently accepted a full-time job with Casa Monte Plata, working in maintenance, general support, and transportation. It has always been his dream to study law and he hopes to start university soon. We feel privileged to watch Miguel grow, thrive, and succeed, and we know God will do great things through this young man!
Postal address: Kids Alive International, PO Box 1529, Stamford, PE2 2YD.
Registered address: Kids Alive International, 60 Gray’s Inn Road, London WC1X 8LU
Telephone: 07873 550968 | Registered Charity: 1140641 (England & Wales)
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