Serranía

The Dominican Republic, despite being one of the largest economies in the Caribbean, faces significant challenges with about 40% of its population living below the poverty line. Rural job market participation is low, especially among women, with only 29% of the 50% participation rate being female.

To address these issues, the Serranía Technical School of Hospitality offers specialized training for women and girls from rural areas in various fields such as nutrition, culinary arts, hospitality, event planning, business management, and entrepreneurship. This training enables women to secure higher-paying jobs and encourages many to start their own businesses. Since its establishment in 2008, Serranía has trained hundreds of women, resulting in numerous new business owners and product creators.

Additionally, Serranía provides short training programs in underserved communities, further empowering women with essential skills that improve their living conditions and those of their families. This initiative is part of the work done by Iniciativas de Educación Superior y Complementaria, Inc. (INDESCO), a non-profit organization founded in 1987 by professionals and entrepreneurs focused on the socio-educational development of the Dominican Republic.

To read a recent article featuring Serranía, click here.

To donate by check:
Make check out to American Initiatives for Social Development with the memo line “Serranía” and send to:

American Initiatives for Social Development
PO Box 1670
New York, NY 10156-1670