Background and History

The Dominican Republic is a popular tourist destination, but it is also a developing country in which many people live in poverty which can impede the education of naturally talented young people.

SOSUA KIDS was founded in 2000 by Karen Conquergood, Michelle Bennett and Harry Pryce in order to reduce this problem.  Other founding members were Barb Andersen and Janet Williams. They were immediately joined by other local residents, several of whom continue to this day with their dedicated work for the organisation. Since then it has also gained supporters and sponsors in other parts of the world

Initially, it enabled just a small number of children to attend school. Since then, because of the local need and the generosity of donors, its work has increased exponentially. During 2008 it supported more than 330 young people in school or university. In addition it provided support to individual schools in poor areas which did not receive government funding.

Because of this growth in its activities, in 2008 it was decided to establish the organisation on a more formal basis in accordance with the law of the Dominican Republic. This should provide additional assurance to all our generous donors that their contributions are used responsibly.

SOSUA KIDS has always been proud that, because it has no paid employees and all major administrative costs are met by specific donation, all donors can be sure that all of their contributions are used for the purpose for which they are given – to support the education of young people. The costs of our new more formal organisation have been met by specific sponsorship. You can be sure that everything which you give will go directly to support young people's education in the Sosúa area.