AllNationsInternational Blog

Restavek Children

July 16, 2009 on 10:19 pm | In Uncategorized | No Comments

Volunteer Service in the DR

Rescued Restavek Children

Restavek is a Creole term which literally means “stay with.” An accurate term in that these children do stay with their hosts, working as domestic servants in exchange for a roof over their head, some leftover food and, supposedly, the ability to go to school. In practice, though, the restaveks are easy prey for exploitation. Many are beaten, sexually abused and frequently denied access to education, since many host families believe that schooling will only make them less obedient.

Recently I have interviewed restavek children in San Marcos. According to a recent UN report 30,000 restavek children are sent to the Dominican Republic every year. It is hard to believe that such a condition can exist. It is not until you talk to these children that you begin to see the depth and seriousness of the problem.

CNN is reporting from Haiti today to bring awareness to this problem. Dr. Sanjay Goupta is lifting up this issue. He should also travel to the other side of the island. In some ways it is worse for these children because here they have no rights at all.

Father Dale

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