A new partnership in the Dominican Republic is helping children from vulnerable communities start the school day with sturdy shoes, renewed confidence, and the support of their neighbors.
In La Altagracia Province in the Dominican Republic, a simple pair of school shoes can make the difference between staying home and stepping confidently into the classroom. For many families, the cost of shoes competes with other basic needs, and children are left walking long distances in worn, undersized, or borrowed footwear.
To change that reality for hundreds of students, The WASH Foundation‘s Dominican Republic team recently joined forces with a group of committed partners to bring new school shoes to children from vulnerable communities, pairing this support with ongoing WASH programming in local schools.
A partnership built around children
During December 2025, an important shoe donation was carried out for children from vulnerable communities in La Altagracia Province. This initiative was made possible thanks to the coordination and support of Director Steffani Fields, in partnership with Rebuild Globally, a social enterprise, and their manufacturer Deux Mains, which sourced the leather in the Dominican Republic, sent it to Haiti where the shoes were produced, and ultimately placed them into the hands of Dominican children. Together, these partners helped source high-quality school shoes in various sizes for children of different ages.
The donation was channeled through the community-based organization Fundación Mi Casita Linda, led by its director, Rosi María Cristina Ortiz, affectionately known as Doña Rosi. Her strong community leadership and long-standing social work in the area were essential to identifying the most vulnerable communities and institutions, and to making sure the shoes reached the children who needed them most.
For the distribution activities, Doña Rosi worked side by side with The WASH Foundation team in the Dominican Republic: Program Coordinator Susan Rosendo, Technical Coordinator Juan Andrés, and Country Manager Eduardo Cameron. The team provided on-site accompaniment and logistical support throughout the different distribution days, helping the process run smoothly and respectfully.
1,000 Pairs of Shoes, 1,000 New Steps
Through this alliance, a total of 1,000 pairs of school shoes were successfully sourced. During the first phase in December, 630 pairs were distributed across several organizations and schools:
- Fundación Mi Casita Linda received 218 pairs.
- Escuela Comunitaria Faro Celeste received 200 pairs.
- Ministerio Infantil Puerta del Cielo received 70 pairs.
- Ministerio Infantil Joyas de Cristo received 32 pairs.
- Fundación Casa de la Esperanza received 80 pairs.
- Fundación Un Mundo Mejor para la Niñez D. received 30 pairs.
The remaining 370 pairs were distributed during the weekend of January 10th, extending support to additional organizations and communities in La Altagracia Province.
Across each distribution site, children arrived with anticipation and left with new shoes in their hands and on their feet. The atmosphere was marked by joy, solidarity, and deep gratitude from students, families, and community leaders who know how much a single pair of shoes can mean for a child’s daily life.
Why Shoes Matter for Education and Dignity
For children in these communities, school shoes are more than a uniform requirement. They protect feet on long walks to school, help prevent injuries and infections, and allow students to participate fully in class and school activities without fear of being sent home or feeling out of place.
By ensuring that children have proper footwear, this partnership supports their continued participation in the school environment and contributes to their dignity and well-being. For these students, having sturdy school shoes not only means they can arrive safely and feel confident in their uniform — it also prevents the students from contracting diseases caused by parasites in the soil. It is a small change that carries a lot of dignity and helps prevent the transmission of disease.
Connecting Shoes to WASH and Long-Term Impact
The shoe distributions are part of a broader effort by The WASH Foundation to improve health and education outcomes across the Dominican Republic. In the same schools and communities where shoes are being distributed, the DR team is working with teachers and school leaders to integrate WASH into the school day, using engaging lessons on handwashing, disease prevention, and menstrual hygiene.
As part of the 2025–2026 school year, Coordinator Susan Rosendo and Juan Andrés Guillot have been visiting participating schools to administer surveys, conduct baseline assessments, and gather feedback from staff and students. This ongoing monitoring helps the team understand how WASH activities are changing behaviors and where additional support is needed.
When combined with WASH programming, school shoes become one more way to remove barriers to attendance and help children arrive ready to learn. Health, safety, and dignity work together to create a stronger foundation for each child’s future.
What's Next and How You Can Support
The December shoe distribution in La Altagracia is just the beginning of this partnership’s impact. As the remaining pairs are delivered and children continue to participate in WASH activities at their schools, The WASH Foundation and its partners will keep listening to communities and looking for ways to support students holistically.
You can help this work continue and grow. By supporting The WASH Foundation‘s Dominican Republic programs, you are helping children access both the essentials for daily life and the tools they need to build a healthier future.
To invest in WASH programming and holistic support for students and families in the Dominican Republic, please consider giving to our WASH for All campaign today: Donate Now →
