Page 16 - OctoberSpotlight

Charity News
On Thursday 12th September our Charities Coordinator, Natalie took a small group of members to La Lecheria Batey.
What is a batey?
Bateys were where the sugar cane workers lived. Most workers would have been Haitian as Dominicans are generally unwilling to cut cane. It’s a horrible job in very harsh conditions, although at least here there are no venomous snakes hiding in the dark!
The sugar cane industry has significantly reduced over the last 30 years but many bateys remain as villages of concentrated poverty and poor resources.
Some years ago, two nuns who had arrived in the Dominican Republic to learn Spanish realised that the workers needed support with education and health. From small beginnings this project has grown to an essential provision, changing lives and improving life chances for young and old.
The IWC has supported this community for ten years. Our fellow member Lizzy Raisbeck champions their cause maintaining our connection with this very worthy service.
Our Mission: Strengthening the bonds of friendship, aiding integration into society whilst contributing to the host community at large.