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Progressio
Country background:
The Dominican Republic, formerly known as a main hub for sugar production, has re-branded its self as one of the Caribbean's leading tourist destination.In fact in the 90s tourism took over as the main foreign exchange earner. The country's economy is now based on tourism, the free trade zone and agro-industry. In addition, Dominicans working abroad provide an estimated US $2 billion per year as an income for the economy. Despite this buoyant economy, unemployment, corruption, income and basic service inequality remain major problems.
Organization:
Progressio is a progressive international charity with Catholic roots that enables poor communities to solve their own problems through support from skilled workers. And it lobbies decision-makers to change policies that keep people poor. Formerly the Catholic Institute for International Relations, their vision is for every person in the communities where they work to have choices and opportunities, to have their human rights respected, to have their basic needs met and to live a fulfilled life.
Tackle poverty by:
Changing lives – Enabling poor communities to solve their own problems through the placement of 100 highly skilled people (known as development workers) from around the world. They work with grassroots organisations in long-term projects benefiting hundreds of thousands of poor and marginalised people in 11 developing countries.
Changing minds – As well as working with local people they also lobby decision-makers, to challenge the structures and relationships that combine to keep people poor.
Mobilising people – To act, because every step, however small, helps to achieve lasting change.
Progressio has been working in the Dominican Republic since 1989, focusing on three main areas: Combating HIV and AIDS, developing sustainable environment and decision making by social and political inclusion.
Project Overview:
Combating the spread of HIV and AIDS, the aim of this project is to improve legislation relating to HIV and AIDS, in order to reduce the prevalence of HIV and AIDS among the general population and principally among women and young people. In addition Progressio and partner organisations are aiming to train at least ten community groups or individuals to promote the prevention of HIV, and increase women's participation in HIV prevention activities by 20 per cent.
Event where money was raised:
DLA 7th Film Festival, we raised £2,500 and welcomed 3000 visitors.