Transformation and Hope Through Education

Zoila, mother of Ema (3), Luisanny (10), and Ezequiel (17), has a deep passion for education. As a teacher, she is happy to teach at Lili’s school in the Dominican Republic—a chance that was almost lost when the school building became dilapidated, and the school’s license was at risk.

The school was founded in 1992 by Florencia “Dona Lili” Bonilla in a poor suburb of Puerto Plata to provide children with access to quality education. Individualized attention led to 80-90% of graduates attending secondary schools—a success rarely achieved by anyone else in this impoverished neighborhood.

Although school attendance is mandatory, access to education in the Dominican Republic is not guaranteed everywhere. Many families cannot afford the expensive school uniforms, and in rural areas, the distance to the nearest school is often too great. The 2015 Pisa study showed that the country’s students ranked last in science and mathematics.

After the founder’s death in 2017, her daughter tried to continue her mother’s life’s work. However, due to economic difficulties and inflation, funds were lacking to complete the school’s reconstruction. This prompted Nadine Treichler, Senior Manager Digital Lead at Edelweiss, to submit a project proposal to help alliance. But not only that, she, along with many other colleagues from Edelweiss, personally helped on-site with the design of the classrooms.

For Zoila, the news that the school would remain open was a relief. The project has positively impacted her professional and family life by providing her children with access to quality education and her family with necessary resources.

The school does more than just educate; it raises responsible parents and provides stable jobs for teachers and administrative staff. Zoila is grateful for the stability and security the project offers her family.

Zoila continues to have the opportunity to improve the lives of her pupils every day. The warmth of the school community motivates her to give her best. The small daily successes of her students, such as learning new words or solving complex problems, are her greatest reward.

Zoila is convinced that education is the most powerful tool for social change. Thanks to the help and commitment of many, the school remains an important pillar of the community and Zoila can continue to live her passion while positively impacting the lives of her children and many others.

Zoila’s story is just one of countless others. We will be sharing many more stories from the projects on our website and social media channels in the coming weeks.