A Story of Hope: JRCLS Dominican Republic Santiago Chapter Opens the Door to the Classroom

Maella (name has been changed) is a seven-year-old girl. She and her father live in the Dominican Republic while her mother remains in Haiti. After migrating to the Dominican Republic, Maella’s family faced a complex economic situation when her father suffered serious spinal injuries after falling multiple stories while working in the construction sector. Unable to continue paying for the private school where Maella was enrolled, her father withdrew her from school.

Two months passed, all the while Maella wished to return to school but without hope for a solution. 

Santiago Chapter Serves as an Institutional Bridge*

The case reached the Dominican Republic Santiago Chapter of the J. Reuben Clark Law Society (JRCLS), whose members volunteered their time to provide guidance and assistance to help Maella’s family understand and navigate the process which will allow Maella to continue her education. 

Under the direction of Franklin Orlando Holguín Rodríguez, chair of the Santiago Chapter, and with the collaboration of Melina Núñez, the Santiago Chapter acted as a bridge between the family and the corresponding institutions, following up on the process and seeking to ensure that economic, family, and documentary difficulties would not become a definitive barrier to the girl’s access to education. 

At all times, assistance was provided while respecting the competencies of the educational authorities and health professionals and without seeking to replace their functions. 

Educational Evaluation Opens a New Opportunity 

As part of the process, Maella was evaluated by appropriate personnel in  coordination with the local education district officials. Following the evaluation, it was determined that Maella would enroll in first grade, a year behind peers of her same age. School authorities also recommended private tutoring for Maella to help her progress more quickly. As part of the institutional response, a place was also reserved for her at a local primary school in the same district, where it is anticipated Maella will enroll once all enrollment requirements are met. 

To complete the enrollment process, the family is required to submit a medical certificate issued by Maella’ pediatrician after the completion of several clinical tests to assess her general health condition. Melina Núñez worked with Maela’s family and the pediatrician to make arrangements for Maella to receive the necessary pediatric care at a local hospital, helping her get one step closer to obtaining the required medical documentation. 

At the time this article was prepared, Maella and her family were awaiting the test results and hoping for the issuance of the medical certificate which will allow Maella to enroll in school again. 

An Experience that Transcends the Case File

For the Santiago Chapter, this situation represents a concrete example of the good that comes from JRCLS members performing pro bono service within their areas of competency, and of the possibility of using legal knowledge to guide and assist vulnerable people. 

Maella’s experience also demonstrates the value of cooperation among legal professionals, educational authorities and school systems, and medical personnel in finding solutions for particular family situations.

For a girl who had been forced to interrupt her studies, the possibility of returning to the classroom means much more than continuing a school year: it means the opportunity to learn, grow, and look toward the future with hope.

*Chapter members do not conduct search operations or inspections of migrant families. Instead, they respond to requests for assistance when the cases fall within the legal capabilities of its volunteer members.