Child workers find a space to grow

The Space to Grow project, run by Plan in Dominican Republic, gives children and adolescents who would otherwise be working in the fields the chance to learn and play in a safe and supportive environment.

Capulín is an onion-producing community in the municipality of Vallejuelo. During a visit to this community, Plan staff spoke to a boy, Wander, and his family about the changes that have resulted from his involvement in the Space to Grow project.

He said: “I used to work with my brother planting and cleaning corn, onions and beans and since I have been in the Space to Grow, I don’t do this anymore.”

According to Wander, in the Space he has learned to read and write, to appreciate his family and to share with others.

His mother and older brother also said they had been pleased at his progress. They have become aware of the benefits of Wander and his younger siblings being able to continue to learn instead of going out to work.

As well as removing children and adolescents from dangerous agricultural work, Space to Grow centres focus on three components: academic levelling, personal development and recreation.

For Wander and the other children and adolescents who participate, this is an opportunity to grow and develop skills that will allow them to integrate with their peers at school.