In the batey communities near Vasca, Dominican Republic, many young people face limited opportunities for education and employment. The Crecer Program (Spanish for “To Grow”) is changing that by investing in their future – helping them discover their identity, build practical skills, and grow as leaders rooted in Christian values.
The Crecer Youth program
Every Saturday, 50 adolescents aged 13-20 gather the community center in Vaca to participate in the Crecer Program. Led by 8 dedicated local youth leaders, the program focuses on three pillars:
Being (Ser): helping youth discover who they are-created and loved by God.
Doing (Hacer): building technical and vocational skills for future employment.
Growing (Crecer): Developing leadership and faith to positively impact their communities.
The 2025-2026 program includes:
- Leadership workshops that build confidence and responsibility
- English and communication classes that expand opportunity
- Vocational training in gardening, agriculture, and egg production
- Mentoring and life-planning support, including pregnancy prevention and faith-based guidance.
The Crecer Camp
At the end of the training program in June the students will be invited to a youth camp. One of the key goals of the camp is to help participants – especially young women from marginalized communities – envision a future beyond cycles of poverty and exclusion. Through biblical teaching and mentorship, they are encouraged to pursue education, leadership, and life projects that can transform their communities.
