Sugar is more than just a sweetener for the children in the bateyes of the Dominican Republic. For these children of sugar cane cutters, sugar is the reason they can survive. But it is also... See full summary
Children of the Batey (2006) Online
Sugar is more than just a sweetener for the children in the bateyes of the Dominican Republic. For these children of sugar cane cutters, sugar is the reason they can survive. But it is also sugar that keeps them in their impoverished condition. In the batey where the sugar cane cutters and their families live, the children run around in the midst of tiny shacks and garbage heaps, exposed to malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS. Along with native Dominicans, Haitian migrants and their children make up most of the batey's population. Their children have difficulties obtaining proper education, health care and other basic human rights because by law, they are not considered citizens of the Dominican Republic. St. Peter's Parish in Woodbridge, Ontario, responded to the needs of these children by organizing a week-long summer camp in the bateyes. A group of 37 people brought books, clothes and other donated goods. They also played games and other activities with the children. The Canadians ...