Santo Domingo East Site Update, Winter 2025
Located on the eastern side of the capital, Santo Domingo East School (Jesús En Los Niños) currently serves 152 students and employs 37 staff members.
Recent Happenings
GO! Teams
We enjoyed welcoming teams to our school, starting each day by discussing the supremacy of God and sharing God-sightings in simple moments, like the diversity of food and connections with children. It is powerful to see team members recognize how God is using them in the lives of our students, especially as they worship Jesus together and share music beyond cultural and language barriers. Through these experiences, our students witness faith in action, deepening their understanding of God’s presence in their daily lives.
Pilot Program For iep’s
We have begun to develop Individual Educational Plans (IEPs) for struggling students, addressing emotional, family, and academic challenges through a five-pronged team approach. With input from a social worker, family therapist, educational psychologist, teacher, and specialist, each plan is highly individualized—some students need sensory and academic interventions, while others benefit from family therapy. We've already seen significant growth and are excited to expand the program to support even more students.
Unity Among Staff
We are enjoying strong unity among our staff, reflecting on our school's history, God’s provision, and our shared vision for the future. Each week, we lift each other up in Christ through fellowship, check-ins, and a special coffee break to stay connected. Through these moments, we strengthen our teamwork and ensure we are working together to share Jesus’ love.
Changed Life Story: pedro*
Pedro is a current sixth grade student at Jésus En Los Niños in Santo Domingo.
He entered kindergarten from a struggling family, facing hardships that made even basic needs a challenge. The COVID pandemic disrupted his early education, and by the time he reached third grade, his home life had deteriorated further, requiring that CONANI (the DR equivalent of Child Protective Services) get involved. Without guidance, Pedro gravitated toward negative influences, following a friend living on the streets. His behavior in school became disruptive, marked by defiance and disengagement. By fourth grade, he resisted authority and had fallen behind academically.
The school provided individualized tutoring for Pedro, alongside four other boys. Though he transitioned into fifth grade, he remained inconsistent, wavering between attending soccer practice and church. By the end of the school year, he declared his desire to leave JELN and seek admission to a public school. However, when his mother arrived to retrieve his transcripts, Pedro made a surprising confession—he didn’t truly want to leave; he confessed that his pride had led him to say otherwise.
Pedro’s decision to stay marked a turning point. Entering sixth grade, he was placed under a teacher passionate about discipleship. Though challenges persisted, there were moments of sincere engagement. During a school discussion about faith, Pedro raised his hand and prayed, marking a significant change. His transformation was evident—he was spending more time at home and participating more regularly in soccer and church activities. His once disruptive behavior turned into positive leadership, as he encouraged his peers and modeled good behavior. His school staff, who had frequently been called for disciplinary issues, now observed a young boy genuinely seeking change. Since embracing faith, Pedro has not needed disciplinary intervention. His mother, accustomed to regular calls regarding his misbehavior, recently reached out simply to check on him, astonished at the quiet that had replaced chaos.
Pedro’s journey is ongoing, but his transformation is undeniable. His story is a testament to the power of mentorship, faith, and perseverance. Please join us in praying for Pedro, that he continues attending afterschool Bible study and remains committed to the soccer discipleship program.
May he continue to grow, lead, and inspire others as he seeks God and follows His leading in his life.
*pseudonym used for anonymityYou can make the difference in the life of a student like Pedro.
Staff Highlight: Kami
Kami Ciprian is the school director of JELN.
She and her husband Romolo began tutoring students in their home in 2004, and that program has since developed into a full-time school serving students from the inner-city of Santo Domingo. Kami is deeply grateful for her family—her husband, who keeps her humble and focused, and her children, who remind her to embrace life’s joys. She is thankful for the work God has given her the opportunity to be a part of—cherishing the opportunity to be involved in children's lives, watching them grow, and equipping teachers to support students, especially those who have experienced trauma. When asked her favorite bible character, she replied:
David because of his love for God. Jonathan because I want to be that good of a friend. Esther because I want to be used by God and stand firm for Jesus no matter the circumstances.
Upcoming Events
Parent Trainings: Our regular parent trainings aim to share Christ, equip families with valuable skills and knowledge, and encourage greater involvement in their children’s lives.
Expanding Student Support: We are engaging more kids in after-school activities, tutoring, and Bible study to foster connection and mentorship.
Growing Soccer Program: Our program continues to thrive! One of our young adults signed with a professional team and still continues to coach and mentor within our program.
Join Us in Prayer
Pray for continued unity among staff. Pray that each member desires to build each other up in love, towards the common goal of discipling our students.
Pray for the after-school Bible study for fifth and sixth graders
Pray for salvation for students, their families, and the community