Set Up an Aquaponic Farm in Batey Baraguana, DR

Loving hands United is working behind the scenes with the people in Bayaguana Dominican Republic by visiting them from time to time to ensure they are doing ok and to assess their needs during the pandemic.  Back in August the organization started a fund raising in Florida, we were able to collect funds which allowed us to sustain these people during the Pandemic.  Our last food and clothes distribution took place in August. During that time we noticed there was a great need for masks. We Did our due diligence and were able to obtain 5000 face masks which had already been shipped to Dominican Republic.

The living conditions in the bateyes are extremely precarious and some of the situations they face are inhuman and degrading. In addition to the situations described above, this situation has led to a constant uncertainty that has had an impact on the physical and psychological integrity of the individuals concerned. To which must be added the constant fear of these people to be arrested and expelled to their country by not having identity papers. One of the problems they face is the lack of job options, the testimonies indicate that it is virtually impossible to get work and when they do, they get paid less than the minimum wages. Loving Hands United will be working with the elected officials to help them obtain their legal status in order to send their children to school, to be able to work and to live with dignity. 

As far as the Aquaponic Farm project, we are working with the government in Dominican Republic to obtain parcels of lands in order to start the  aquaponic farm.  We are also working with an attorney in Dominican Republic to obtain customs exemptions in order to make it easier for the organization to transport goods, clothing, and medications to the people in Baragwana who are in such great need. Besides, Loving Hand United will be working diligently with government officials in Dominican Republic to help our Haitian compatriots obtain immigration status.  Our next mission trip to the Batayes in Baragwana, Dominican Republic will be in December. Our donors have already provided us with boxes of food, clothing, toys, and medications. 

Since after the campaign back in August, the Aquaponic Farm project is progressing slowly due to the pandemic. But we are keeping our commitment with the people in the Bateyes. Back in August, we made a visit there, we helped them with food distributions and clothes which was made possible through the donations obtained from the GlobalGiving campaign.  Prayers, counseling and other assistance were provided.