The purpose of this project is to
reintegrate into productive and educational
activities 400 adolescents and youth between
the ages of 13 and 21 who abandoned their
public schooling and vocational training in
the towns of Cotui and Maimon in the central
part of the Dominican Republic. The
participants are equipped with educational
and employability skills which facilitate
their participation in an anticipated
significant economic boom in the region
during the next 15 years as a result of the
Barrick Gold Corporation investment in the
previously closed Pueblo Viejo gold mine.
The project purpose is achieved through a
process which integrates accelerated
learning, life skills, and economic
stability, all of which promote continued
learning. This is achieved through a
combination of internships and
micro-enterprise opportunities, generated by
the Barrick investment.
The project incorporates the proven
institutional capacity of three
organizations (IDDI, ENTRENA, and ITECO)
with the direct monetary and in-kind support
from Barrick and is described as follows:
IDDI coordinates community involvement,
participant selection, entrepreneurial
training, and micro-enterprise support.
ENTRENA, a renowned Dominican educational
firm, takes the lead for accelerated
learning and life skills training of the
participants.
ITECO (Instituto Tecnologico del Cibao
Oriental), a Dominican university
Polytechnic Institute located in Cotui,
coordinates specific skills training related
to potential employers need.
Barrick Gold Corporation provides cash
contributions and Internships.
The challenge has been to ensure that this
economic impact directly benefits the local
population of vulnerable youth between 13
and 21 years of age by generating quality
and sustainable jobs, and income generation
services. The combination of the learning
strategies rekindles their potential and
self confidence to become productive
citizens and consolidate their future in the
communities of Cotui and Maimon, without the
pressure or perceived need to emigrate.
This is a unique opportunity that positively
channels a significant economic impact to
benefit vulnerable youth, eliminate
traditional cycles of poverty, and foster
economic and social sustainability, long
term, in an area traditionally marginalized
by public and private resources.
|
