PrOject IsObel is a charity registered under the laws of the Dominican Republic, No. 213098, aiming to provide a better life for street children and abandoned animals; promoting a holistic and experiential education for the children and encouraging them in the humane and respectful treatment of animals. We are currently applying for UK charitable status.
About this project:
The Children
Street children are highly vulnerable to abuse, prostitution and crime. Some do have families. Some are bought from Haiti by unscrupulous adults to work on the streets. Their parents believe they are sending them to a life of better opportunities and use the money to fund the rest of the family. Others have lost their parents and their remaining relatives cannot afford to, or do not, care for them properly. With the high rate of HIV and AIDS, many children are left with no provision. They need basic care, education and preparation for a useful adult life. The police have instructions to get them off the streets, but there is little provision for them.
The Horses...and other animals
Whilst we do not turn away dogs and cats, our focus is primarily on horses, as there are other local agencies involving themselves with dogs and cats. We believe that all animals deserve respect, appropriate care and well-being: that they need to be able to live without fear or physical / psychological distress, as they live in dignity, able to express their natural instincts in appropriate ways in a suitable environment.
We believe that there is a mutually beneficial and profound relationship between children, animals (especially horses) and the environment. It may be the first time disadvantaged children have experienced unconditional love and a sense of achievement, self-esteem, commitment, respect, self-control and responsibility and much more as they learn to take care of, manage and train horses. We believe that by fostering a love of animals in children, they will be more open to education which promotes the well-being of animals.
Drawing by Hannah
Mission Statement:
It is the intention of this project to provide for Dominican street children*, in the Sosúa/Cabarete area, a home where they can learn to be partially self-sufficient with useful life skills, a safe centre where they can develop emotionally, vocationally, socially, physically and spiritually to become well-rounded adults with integrity and healthy values.
This project includes a rescue sanctuary for old, abandoned or ill-treated horses / donkeys and other domestic / farm animals that are brought to us.
*Street children would include children who roam the streets begging, shoe shining, etc.; children who are vulnerable to crime, prostitution and abuse; children who may or may not have a parent or parents alive, but whose family cannot or do not provide for them adequately. Selection is to be through official channels. It is sadly accepted that for some children it will be too late to rehabilitate them.
Goals
- to provide accommodation for approximately
14 resident children
- to accept other local street children for a few
hours on a daily basis
- to train the children in basic husbandry,
humane treatment of animals,vegetable growing,
gardening,maintenance skills, hygiene, cooking,
budgeting,business, social and personal develop-
ment skills, preserving their cultural back-
grounds and including positive external input
- to provide the children with a healthy diet
and necessary medication
- to encourage and support these children
through their state education
- to offer a home for abandoned, old or
abused horses,encouraging the children to train
and care for them in a humane way and to value
this approach
- to provide an outreach facility to encourage
Vision
Goals 