School Uniform Project – School year 2025/2026

Our goal

Every year we set out on the same mission: to make sure children can start school with everything they need. Not just the full uniform, but also the sports kit, shoes, sneakers, belt, backpack and a set of notebooks. Each child, together with a parent or guardian, picks out their things in person—it is a special moment for them, and for us. Thanks to the generous donations we received over the past year, we were able to add extra supply packages filled with notebooks, pens, colored pens, pencils, colored pencils, sharpeners, erasers, rulers, highlighters, crayons and glue. And if we fall short, we simply buy what is missing. This time, we had enough to fully equip 84 children. On top of that, after purchasing a stock of soap, we could also give every child a bar of soap, a toothbrush and a tube of toothpaste.

Saturday, July 20, 2025

Just two days before the first shopping trip, we gather to put together the first 50 supply packages. Stacks of notebooks, piles of pencils, rows of sharpeners and rulers—all carefully sorted and packed. There is a sense of anticipation in the air, knowing that these boxes will soon find their way into the hands of excited children.

Monday, July 22, 2025

Early in the morning, I arrive at Tienda Jimenez Kids in Puerto Plata. This is where we buy the school essentials. Two shop assistants are waiting for me; together we go through the prices and the budget. The choices have to be clear—there are backpacks for 700 pesos, but also ones for 2,500. By marking the racks that are within reach, we make sure every child gets to choose freely, but always within budget.

We start slowly, with one group of boys and one group of girls. The shop buzzes with voices, children trying on shoes, comparing backpacks, carefully making their choices. Watching them walk out the door with their new belongings, ready for a new school year, makes the first day feel like a real celebration.

As the project moves along, an extra request comes in. Some parents who had managed to pay for uniforms last year can no longer do so this year. Circumstances change, and the need is real. We reach out for additional support, and once again, our friends and followers responds. Enough funds are gathered so that these children too can be included.

Monday, August 11, 2025

The last three boys come in to pick up their things. With them, the project officially comes to a close.

In total, 84 children are now ready to step into the new school year on August 25 — fully prepared, and with the confidence that comes from having what they need.

To every sponsor, every donor, and every person who contributed in any way: THANK YOU.
On behalf of the foundation, but especially on behalf of the children and their families, your support has made all the difference.