The mission of ANIJA is spelled out in its Spanish acronym, “Helping the Children of Jarabacoa.” As the oldest and largest Kids Alive program in Dominican Republic, ANIJA now serves over 375 children and youth. Originally started as a care center 20 years ago, it has now grown into a full campus with school classrooms, playgrounds, and computer labs.

Children from pre-Kindergarten through eighth grade learn a standard Dominican curriculum, including English, computers, and art. There is also an after-school program which provides lunch, tutoring and homework help, and other activities. Over 80% of the at-risk children that enter the program graduate from high school, and the city’s churches are full of ANIJA graduates, some in leadership roles. God is working at ANIJA and lives are being changed.