Literacy for Dominican-Haitian Youth in the Batey

Our Learning Center is housed in the heart of Batey Libertad, where this year we welcome 33 students to our four afterschool programs. In these afterschool classes we reinforce our student’s grammar, reading, writing, and reading comprehension skills. We started the school year excitedly following our student evaluations, which displayed an increase in  literacy compared to two years ago.

Our reading levels are classified by an alphabetical system, the letter A representing the very beginning of learning to read. In September 2023, the average reading level in our Reading and Grammar class was between the reading levels C-F, but after only two years we have seen a massive improvement in our student’s reading skills. Now after our evaluations in September, the average reading level in that class is between F-K. In two years our students as a whole progressed 5 levels up in their reading capacity!

Our mission is to help reduce education inequality and to empower the youth in Batey Libertad to unlock their full academic potential. Our literacy programs provide life-changing academic support for students in our community who lack access to essential resources. We believe that every child deserves access to quality education and we are committed to giving our little learners’ the tools to make their dreams a reality. 

We are incredibly proud of our students and the effort they put forth everyday and we look forward to seeing our students continue to grow as readers.

Links:

• https://www.yspaniola.org/

2024–2025 School Year Recap

We are excited to share the results of our 2024–2025 school year. On September 9, 2024, our learning centers opened their doors to nearly 100 returning and new students. Our preschool welcomed three student groups: two younger cohorts focused on Montessori methods and one older group of emerging readers. At the same time, our Learning Center program for older students was organized into four targeted literacy groups: Phonics, New Readers, Reading Tutoring, and Reading & Grammar.

In our Montessori classrooms, students explored a range of topics including sensory learning, phonics, vocabulary, and everyday life skills. They practiced daily routines such as handwashing and putting on their uniforms, and learned vocabulary related to animals, shapes, and professions. Using a variety of hands-on materials, children developed creativity, fine motor skills, and practical life abilities.

Meanwhile, students ages 7–12 participated in dynamic literacy programming through both our afterschool Learning Center and our interventions in the public school of Batey Libertad. Each day of the week focused on a different literacy strategy to strengthen reading, writing, and speaking skills. Our dedicated teaching staff ensured learning was engaging and fun by using interactive tools such as Kahoot, Word Jenga, vocabulary bingo, and charades. Weekly Horas de Lectura with our Princeton in Latin America Fellows, Eliza and Katie, provided additional reading enrichment. Peer reading exchanges between younger and older students also helped foster collaboration and confidence.

Student Evaluations

• In the Montessori program, 4 students earned perfect scores, and 19 scored between 90–100.
  
  
• In Class 1A, 10 of 14 students progressed from non-readers to levels AA–E.
  
  
• In the Phonics class, 6 of 8 non-readers advanced to early reading levels (AA–B).
  
  
• In the Early Reading class, all students progressed from AA–A to AA–E.
  
  
• The Tutoring group improved from an average level of A–D to D–F.
  
  
• The Reading & Grammar group moved from levels D–G to F–I.
  
  

Each year, we are inspired by the academic progress we witness—made possible by the dedication of our educators, the effort of our students, and the support of our donors and community. It is especially heartening to see our youngest learners—who may begin the year speaking only a few words of Spanish—grow into confident students capable of asking questions and holding conversations with their teachers.

Most importantly, our students enjoyed the school year. Motivation remained high thanks to reward systems like stickers, class celebrations for excellent attendance, and Student of the Month awards. We look forward to building on this momentum next year and continuing to nurture a love of learning in every child.