EVOLUCION BAYAHIBE SCHOOL LEARNING CENTER is a private institution which opened July, 2001 by a friend of mine who returned to his homeland from NYC. They currently hold nightly classes in a small 3-room apartment and have a waiting list for those wishing to join the basic English or Computer classes. Vision for future development is to create a TOURISM ACADEMY to help train locals in all aspects of the rapidly growing employment market they don't have necessary education or skills to compete in.

Dominican government only requires students to attend school through the 6th grade and some years in Bayahibe, there aren't resources to even take them that far. If continuing secondary education, a student must be accepted into one of the private parochial schools in the nearby city of La Romana. Costs for tuition, books, uniforms and daily transportation averages $800.00 for one student; roughly one-fourth of an average family income. As you'd expect, most youngsters head right into the dismal workforce as early as 10-years old in helping contribute to the family.

I'm VERY excited about this project as a planner and investor. Additional dreams include for the Tourism Academy to be located inside a large Community Center which will further serve the village; especially the youth since they could loose most of their baseball/basketball playing fields with development of the waterfront. In addition to the Academy, we would like to see an affordable private secondary school available as well as an education-based Day Care program for the many babies and toddlers whom often roam the streets while mothers are working cooking/cleaning.

THE OFFER STANDS - If you're an independent traveler and would like any kind of tourist-related services, send me a message. I can help make the arrangements and put you in touch with the school's director who is bilingual in both Spanish/English. Your needs might come from within Bayahibe, excursions in my upcoming Day Trips From Bayahibe journal, or I'd definitely recommend an escort if going into the cities of Higuey, La Romana, San Pedro de Macoris, or Santo Domingo. Service fees YOU preset will be negotiable, but keep in mind - most students struggle to pay their $6 English/$9 Computer weekly tuitions.