In the Dominican Republic, education is increasingly viewed as a crucial pathway for girls to build better futures. Jocaylin, a mother of two, emphasizes that educational opportunities for her daughters could prevent them from facing the challenges she encountered in her own youth.
“I am so happy that I have two daughters, but every day I worry that my girls will be harassed,” she expressed, highlighting the persistent concerns related to violence and exploitation faced by girls in the region. These concerns include the risks of early marriage, adolescent pregnancy, and other forms of violence.
Breaking the cycle through education
Jocaylin’s own experiences with a violent upbringing inform her aspirations for her daughters. She recalls a difficult childhood marred by violence at home, which ultimately led her to marry at the age of 15 and have her first child at 16. Many young girls in similar situations seek early unions as a means to escape unsafe environments, which often hinders their ability to finish their education and attain financial independence.
Currently, Jocaylin’s family faces financial challenges, particularly in funding their children’s education. Her husband works in a bakery, yet his earnings fall short of meeting educational expenses. Consequently, the family has joined SOS Children’s Villages’ Family Strengthening Program, which aims to support families by removing barriers that obstruct children’s educational paths.
Raquel Santos, Program Manager at SOS Children’s Villages Dominican Republic, stated, “Education is extremely important for girls and young women to become financially independent. Otherwise, their only option is to get married and be provided for.”
Knowledge helps protect girls
Education plays a vital role in empowering girls to recognize dangerous situations and understand their rights. Concerns about commercial sexual exploitation remain high, with experts like Santos stressing that children cannot consent to sexual exploitation and are victims of abuse.
To safeguard her daughters, Jocaylin places significant importance on keeping them informed. She recounted a recent incident where a man offered her 12-year-old daughter money in exchange for companionship, but noted that her daughters are aware of the potential dangers. “They are smart, they will be free,” Jocaylin said confidently.
As her daughters express their dreams, with one aspiring to be a flight attendant and another a doctor, Jocaylin is reminded of the transformative power of education in creating opportunities and choices that she was denied in her youth.
Why It Matters
This initiative highlights the critical role of education in empowering girls in the Dominican Republic, providing them with the tools necessary to avoid early marriages and break cycles of poverty and violence. By supporting families, educational programs aim to foster environments where young girls can thrive and achieve their aspirations.
