By Rebecca R Goins | Global Engagement & Development Manager
Project Hearts continues to empower women in Baitoa, Dominican Republic, by providing the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to become community health leaders.
We are pleased to share progress from the organization's Community Learning Program, which focuses on disease prevention, health education, women's empowerment, and strengthening the wellbeing of families throughout Baitoa.
On June 24, 2026, Community Learning Coordinator Juana Altagracia Rodríguez launched a new Community Health Leadership course with eight women representing four communities. By early July, the group had grown to 11 women leaders from five communities, demonstrating continued interest in community-based health education.
One of the first topics addressed was water and sanitation. Participants learned about the importance of safe drinking water, proper water use, and the health risks associated with contaminated water. These lessons equip future leaders with information they can share with their families and neighbors to help prevent illness and promote healthier practices.
The new cohort builds on Project Hearts' established history of training local health leaders.
In 2025, the Community Learning Program reached 565 adults, teenagers, and children through educational activities. Eight new Community Health Leaders graduated, and the program delivered 39 community presentations across nine communities, covering 22 health topics.
Project Hearts also continues educating younger generations. During the August 2025–June 2026 school year, its Water Initiative provided sanitation and water education to approximately 81 students between the ages of 5 and 14 at schools throughout Baitoa.
These initiatives demonstrate how educating local women can extend health knowledge throughout entire communities. Each trained leader has the opportunity to share what she learns, promote prevention, and help neighbors make informed decisions about their health.
Thank you to our generous donors for supporting Project Hearts and the women leading this work. Your contributions help provide educational opportunities, strengthen local leadership, and expand access to practical health information.
We look forward to seeing these future Community Health Leaders complete their training and continue making a difference in the communities they call home.
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