Worldshare Reports Clear Results in Educational Support for Vulnerable Children in the Dominican Republic and Guatemala

Children from a study room in Guatemala are marching in a local festival celebrating Independence Day. Worldshare

On May 27, Worldshare, an international relief and development NGO (non-governmental organization) chaired by Choi Sunja, announced in a press release that it is operating study rooms and community child centers in vulnerable rural areas of the Dominican Republic and Guatemala, leading efforts to restore children's right to education and establish an educational foundation within local communities.

Since 2018, Worldshare has been running two study rooms in the Milagro and Sacojgrande regions of Guatemala. These facilities provide integrated programs for the holistic development of children, including regular classes, snacks, and cultural experiences.

Children at a community child center in the Dominican Republic are focused on a craft class. Worldshare

According to Worldshare, a total of 227 children were enrolled in 2024, with 83% participating in classes on a regular basis. The academic achievement improvement rate reached 92%. A total of 156 parents participated in the "Parental Capacity Building Education" program, recording a higher participation rate than initially planned. Among the participants, 96% responded that they were highly satisfied with the program.

Worldshare stated, "The local festival led by children from the study rooms has become an annual event, fostering an education-centered community culture in which local residents participate together." The organization added, "We are preparing to open new study rooms in nearby vulnerable areas and plan to provide sustainable learning opportunities to more children."

A child at a community child center in the Dominican Republic is actively participating in class. World Share

In the Matagorda and El Lim?n regions of the Dominican Republic, a shortage of kindergartens and elementary schools has resulted in about 60% of preschool-aged children being unable to receive an education. In response, Worldshare has established community child centers in these areas, providing integrated support that includes regular classes, special activities, snacks, and health checkups. In this region, where there are many single-parent families, the issue of nutritional imbalance among children is particularly severe. Health checkups have revealed a high prevalence of intestinal parasite infections, anemia, and oral diseases, and the organization is also providing medication and treatment support accordingly. In 2025, a new community child center will be opened in the Xinhabon region, bringing the total to three centers that will provide tailored education to approximately 90 children.

Jang Hyejun, head of Worldshare's International Projects Department, stated, "Study rooms and community child centers not only provide learning opportunities to children excluded from education, but also serve as the starting point for change, enabling the entire community to grow together." She added, "We will continue to support the guarantee of the right to education, focusing on areas with low educational accessibility."