EL BÉISBOL ESTÁ CONTIGO
YEARLY REPORT
2017
www.baseballcares.org Yearly Report 2017 - Baseball Cares
1
4 OUR APPROACH A MESSAGE FROM THE
6
BASEBALL CARES DIRECTOR
SUCCESS
8
STORIES OUR IMPACT 12
IN NUMBERS 2
Baseball Cares - Yearly Report 2017 www.baseballcares.org
18 READING 14 22 SEE BECOMING AND STAYING DIFFERENTLY SUSTAINABLE IN SCHOOL
REDUCING
20
VIOLENCE
24
MONITORING AND
EVALUATION
www.baseballcares.org Yearly Report 2017 - Baseball Cares
3
CH
OUR APPROA
BASEBALL CARES is a global development alliance between the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Major League Baseball (MLB), and the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) to use the power of baseball to improve lives in the Dominican Republic. Launched in October 2015, we focus on improved reading skills to keep kids in school, improved access and participation for people with disabilities, and the reduction of violence in schools and families. At the moment we work in the regions of San CristĂłbal, San Pedro de MacorĂs and Boca Chica with the support of Sur Futuro, DREAM Project and Children Intl.
Baseball is the national pastime of the United States and the national passion of the Dominican Republic. Alongside USAID, teams, players, and fans, Baseball Cares gives back to communities which have produced some of our top baseball heroes, both on and off the field.
4
Baseball Cares - Yearly Report 2017 www.baseballcares.org
www.baseballcares.org Yearly Report 2017 - Baseball Cares
5
A MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR OF BASEBALL CARES EL
CONTIGO BÉISBOL ESTÁ
Dear Friends - As our second year of Baseball Cares from October 1, 2016 through September 30, 2017 closes, we reflect back on so many positive experiences and accomplishments. It is amazing the energy that baseball catalyzes among Dominicans and especially our younger generation. We also discovered how the values of baseball can impact our students and become important anchors for positive life skills which then engender positive life styles. I want to share with you some of these experiences, insights, and questions we receive.
The Young Authors Club of Baseball Cares blew me away - so much desire to read and write if only given the chance. How do you interchange the titles “Baseball Cares” and “El Béisbol está Contigo”? The official name of the project in English is Baseball Cares but that does not translate out well in Spanish with the feeling we want it to have. Since our target populations are both Spanish and English speaking, with fans from the Dominican Republic, United States, Canada, and other Hispanic-Caribbean populations, we felt the term “El Béisbol está Contigo” best conveys that feeling and sense of belonging. Plus, the Spanish term gives an indicator that we are talking about something in Latin America. So we use both terms interchangeably, whether we are in Santo Domingo, Milwaukee, or wherever.
ENTRENA SRL is a company incorporated in the Dominican Republic in 1982 specializing in technical assistance, social development, training, and education. For over 30 years, ENTRENA has provided innovative, culturally appropriate and sustainable solutions for a diversity of clients from the private sector, NGOs, governments and educational institutions. The author’s views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States Agency for International Development or the United States Government.
6
Baseball Cares - Yearly Report 2017 www.baseballcares.org
ESTHER FRÍAS
INBOX
Our readers share their thoughts To get in touch with us feedback. Where are you going this year? E-mail your photos and tips to letters@ magazine com
WHERE WE WORK
What criteria do you use for selecting schools? We use several factors. We want to work with those public schools which serve the poorest populations and can most benefit from Baseball Cares. Those schools located in communities near MLB team player development complexes as well as poor communities noted for their production of players also carry a high priority. Of course, if a player wants to sponsor a specific school, Baseball Cares will make every effort to respond..
How have the MLB teams participated in Baseball Cares? We have been fortunate to obtain the support from several teams while many others have expressed interest. The Mets, Giants, Padres, and Mariners have opened their complexes for activities such as the Young Authors club, graduations of multiplier networks, and Baseball Cares musical against violence. In each case, both their coaching staffs and players participated. These activities were eye openers for the players for better understanding their responsibility to give back to the community.
What have been the most special moments? There have been many but three stand out. The entire process of the Young Authors Club was impacting, especially watching the students making their cases to a jury for why their book should be selected. Putting together the CD against violence allowed our students to discover their musical talents and creativity to design messages. And finally, the empowerment we observed of the Baseball Cares multiplier groups and their commitment to train other students on the issues of bullying and inclusion.
What does the future hold for Baseball Cares? We have high quality impacting products that address social and educational issues through the common thread of baseball values. Now that the 2017 regular season has finished, it is time to actively engage our Dominican big league players, the teams, and their fan bases to support Baseball Cares through sponsorship and participation.
www.baseballcares.org Yearly Report 2017 - Baseball Cares
7
STORIES
BULLIED
NO MORE Happy, loving, and sensitive, 15 year old Laura Reynoso remembers that only three years ago when she was in 7th and 8th grade, she was the victim of terrible bullying. She is now in her second year of high school at Lic. Prof. Eladio Antonio Aquino Rojas, and has learned to keep smiling and helping others, despite her experience. “Wow,” was the only thing she could say when Baseball Cares arrived to her school. “For me, it was something very special, since I had personally suffered from bullying. I had been judged for my physical appearance, for being smart, and always doing my homework. The teacher always told me that I was the best and the other kids always made fun of me, saying that the teacher was in love with me.” Whenever she received affirmation at school, her classmates would say, “Laura, always Laura, always Laura…” Laura remembers not knowing what to do when that 8
Baseball Cares - Yearly Report 2017 www.baseballcares.org
Laura Reynoso: “Being bullied and not knowing what to do was terrible.”
happened. “They would draw all over my backpack and folders, and I wouldn’t know how to respond. But when Baseball Cares talked to us about how we should react, I then knew that I should go to the school director’s office and tell an adult.” Scarred by her past, but empowered by her learning from the Bullying, Violence, and Disability workshop, Laura understands that Baseball Cares is a, “great program that can help change the lives of many young people, as it changed mine.” “My mom is proud of me, seeing that after I participated in the workshop I started to open up more to other people and to myself.” Proud of her transformation, Laura now tries to take these lessons with her wherever she goes, not only at school, but at her house, in her community, and with all of her family.
ENGAGED READ
TO MORE AND BETTER
As a lover of numbers, Merilennys Mueses wants to grow up to be an accountant. But her passions are not only focused on mathematics – she also has a love for reading.
“I like studying and reading, because I learn new things and become smarter.” Merilennys is 14 years old and currently in her second year of high school at the Liceo Doctor Dario Gómez. For that reason, upon hearing about Baseball Cares at her school, she was immediately motivated to participate in the reading and writing program offered by the project. The Reading Competition Club focuses on promoting reading habits and reading comprehension among students in creative ways. Students are taught to catalog books, discuss plot, characters, and emotions. “In the program, I learned that we may live the same situations that we have already read about, and this helps us make better decisions in the moment. Books not only leave us with a moral, they also help expand our vocabulary. When I see an unknown word, I underline it, look it up in the dictionary, and begin to use it. These are small things in life that help us to be better students and communicators.” For Merilennys, each book is an opportunity to grow. She explained the storyline of the book that most impacted her during the program, and shared the moral of making the most of the things we cannot get back, like time and opportunities. Merilennys knows that the program helped her to become an even better student, and delve into books in a new and fun way. She learned techniques for reading and comprehension to apply to her daily life. www.baseballcares.org Yearly Report 2017 - Baseball Cares
9
STORIES
SPREADING THE MESSAGE
INFLUENCED TO
10
INFLUENTIAL
Baseball Cares - Yearly Report 2017 www.baseballcares.org
E
“
Not so long ago, my friends at school were the kids who were always messing around, roughing up and making fun of other kids,” remembers 15 year old Efraín Eusebio, now in his second year of high school at Liceo Doctor Darío Gómez.
fraín lived in the circle of bullying and violence at his school, easily influenced to participate with the crowd. “Most of the time, I saw someone bullying someone else, and I would walk away to not get involved. Sometimes when you get involved to defend someone, you get attacked too. Nonetheless, I sometimes got in the middle and separated my classmates when I saw it, because I knew in my heart that it was wrong,” he recalls. When Baseball Cares came to his school, Efraín learned that every time that he saw someone who needed help, or who was being the victim of bullying, he should stop it and tell the bully that it is wrong. “Also in daily life, Baseball Cares has motivated me to always help other people and work alongside them. When we received the class on disabilities, I realized I could help a blind person cross the street and other simple, but important, actions like that.” After receiving the training, Efraín decided to become a Multiplier as part of the Baseball Cares Youth Multiplier Network, in order to help others and prevent bullying and violence at his school. “Now that everyone knows me at school, when someone is being a bully or is acting out in violence, I only have to go and tell them that they shouldn’t do it, and they say, ‘You’ve been saved by Efraín,’ and they stop,” he says, smiling and proud of himself. Efraín is also proud to say that he feels that bullying at his school has decreased. Before, he would see it happening all the time, and lots of violence. “As a Multiplier, I do my best to reduce bullying. I am not like many people who give up in the face of a challenge. I will continue fighting for what I believe until I make it a reality; I won’t give up.” Fostering trust is now one of his daily goals. He is a role model to his peers and is always seeking to gain the trust of his fellow students so that they know that he is not trying to make anyone feel bad. Rather, he is working to make his school better, as a friend to all, and especially to those in need. What Efraín learned through Baseball Cares he is now multiplying at his school on a daily basis, not only through his words, but by his example. He has changed from being another young person easily influenced by his peers, to an influential leader with a clear goal: Prevent Bullying and Violence.
www.baseballcares.org Yearly Report 2017 - Baseball Cares
11
UR IMPACT
1,121
Direct Beneficiaries
Baseball Cares in the last year has worked in 12 schools across three regions: Boca Chica, San Pedro de Macorís and San Cristóbal. We have impacted the life of students, parents, teachers, and school staff. Result indicator targets have been surpassed by over 25%.
2,889
Impacted Youth
94 students trained for the Youth Multiplier Network. This group impacted 2,889 of their peers.
398 Parents, Teachers, and School Staff received training to prevent Domestic Violence and Bullying and to foster inclusion for students with disabilities.
300 Books delivered to the project’s schools to support the teaching process as per their specific needs.
12
Baseball Cares - Yearly Report 2017 www.baseballcares.org
We have worked directly with 608 girls and 513 boys, ranging from 10 to 18 years old.
177
Students received assistance with a visual check-up.
482 115
482 students participated in the “Reading Competition Club”, scoring a “hit” for every read book. This increased their interest in reading and their levels of reading comprehension by 41%.
Prescription Eyeglasses Donated.
Out of 120 girls that were examined 83 were prescribed eyeglasses. Out of 57 boys, 29 were prescribed eyeglasses.
545
Students participated in “Knocking Bullying Out of the Park.”
The “Reading Competition Clubs” had 258 participants in the Middle School level and 224 in the High School level.
www.baseballcares.org Yearly Report 2017 - Baseball Cares
13
READING AND
STAYING
IN SCHOOL
A
10% increase in the proportion of the population with basic literacy skills translates into a 0.3 percentage point higher annual growth rate for that country. Other research has shown that early grade reading competency is critical for continued retention and success in future grades.
L
earning levels of a country’s population are directly correlated with rates of economic growth. A 10% increase in the proportion of the population with basic literacy skills translates into a 0.3 percentage point higher annual growth rate for that country. Other research has shown that early grade reading competency is critical for continued retention and success in future grades. Though it is clear that children’s futures are not solely dependent on reading instruction, reading is a critical and necessary precondition for skill development. Children who do not develop reading skills during the primary grades are on a lifetime trajectory of limited educational progress and therefore limited economic opportunities. The provision of a quality public education is one of the Dominican Republic’s most fundamental challenges. Considerable research shows that low primary school completion and attainment rates and low secondary school enrollment rates are significant risk factors for participation in gangs and drug trafficking. Very few young Dominicans have the educational levels needed to allow them to enter the workforce. In 2011, Dominican Ministry of Education statistics revealed that only 71% of boys and 80% of girls finished primary school. The 2015 PISA (Program for International Student Assessment) test results for 15 year olds for 70 participating countries revealed the DR in last place for math and science, # 66 in reading, and # 63 out of 90 countries in bullying. One of the biggest challenges our Dominican baseball prospects face is overcoming the low educational levels at which they start their baseball career. Since the majority come from the poorest communities with inadequate public education, they are the faces behind the PISA scores. 14
Baseball Cares - Yearly Report 2017 www.baseballcares.org
www.baseballcares.org Yearly Report 2017 - Baseball Cares
15
READING
B
aseball Cares uses the following tools and activities to improve reading thereby enhancing the possibility of completing school.
READING COMPETITION CLUB OBJECTIVE Create a culture of reading and writing in schools through developing literary understanding and appreciation. TARGET GROUP Students ages 10 to 18 DURATION 16 sessions
SESSION DURATION 2 hours
STUDENTS IMPACTED 482 16
Baseball Cares - Yearly Report 2017 www.baseballcares.org
Published: Three winning stories have already been illustrated and published.
YOUNG AUTHORS CLUB OBJECTIVE Create a culture of reading and writing in schools through writing of stories based on their experiences and the values of baseball. TARGET GROUP Students ages 10 to 18 DURATION 10 sessions
SESSION DURATION 2 hours
The Process: Over 10 sessions students, guided by facilitators, develop their stories.
STUDENTS IMPACTED 60 PUBLISHED STORIES TO DATE 3
Launch; The books were launched in an activity attended by the US Embassy Chargé d’affaires. The students dramatized one of the stories for the audience. www.baseballcares.org Yearly Report 2017 - Baseball Cares
17
INCLUSION
A POWER
TO SEE A DIFFERENT WAY
According to the Dominican Republic’s Multi-Purpose National Survey of Homes (ENHOGAR 2013), 7% of the population has some type of disability, and visual problems are the greatest issue identified. As a result, only 60.4% of this population has completed primary and secondary education, and 66% are without work.
18
Baseball Cares - Yearly Report 2017 www.baseballcares.org
B
aseball Cares seeks to improve these statistics for people with disabilities by changing the lens in which they are viewed, and helping them overcome the obstacles they face at school. The Youth Multiplier Networks explored subjects of tolerance, respect, equality, social justice, and leadership through a series of workshops. These student leaders were then empowered to promote inclusion and understanding for people with disabilities among peers, teachers, and communities. In addition, teachers were trained to identify visual issues among students in the classroom, in an effort to prevent these disabilities from hindering their academic performance. Through day-long medical visits at schools, professionals provided direct solutions through evaluations and provision of eyeglasses. Armed with the power to see a different way, these programs highlight the important perspective that people with disabilities bring to the classroom and community. These tandem interventions overcome the issues that prevent people with disabilities from successfully engaging in education, fomenting a culture of inclusion and appreciation.
VISUAL NEEDS INTERVENTIONS OBJECTIVE Identify and equip students with visual needs to help improve school performance. TARGET GROUP Students ages 10 to 18 DURATION SESSION DURATION 3 interventions Full Day POPULATION IMPACTED 177
WORKSHOPS ON INCLUSION FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES OBJECTIVE Raise awareness with parents, teachers and students about the situation in the educational system for people with disabilities. TARGET GROUP Parents, teachers and students DURATION SESSION DURATION 1 session 2 hours POPULATION IMPACTED 599
YOUTH MULTIPLIER NETWORK OBJECTIVE Promote inclusion for people with disabilities in the educational system. TARGET GROUP Students ages 14 to 18 DURATION SESSION DURATION 5 stages Various activities POPULATION IMPACTED 94 www.baseballcares.org Yearly Report 2017 - Baseball Cares
19
REDUCING VIOLENCE
T
he Dominican Republic continues to experience the unfortunate growing trend of violence and criminality. The fear of becoming a victim of crime or violence is the priority issue for much of Dominican society.
Baseball Cares focuses on two aspects of violence - bullying (school violence) and domestic violence. Bullying in schools in the Dominican Republic has increased exponentially over the past years. Students replicate in schools the behaviours they see at home. In a country where an average of 102 women a year are killed by their current or previous domestic partner, children and youth witness violent behaviour at home which models how they relate to their peers. Baseball Cares works not only with the students, but with parents, guardians, and school personnel to foster a reduction of violence throughout the community. Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association reached agreement on a landmark joint domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse policy in 2015. Baseball Cares activities at team academies in the DR create awareness on these themes among young prospects.
20
Baseball Cares - Yearly Report 2017 www.baseballcares.org
HITTING BULLYING OUT OF THE PARK OBJECTIVE Reduce levels of violence in school populations. TARGET GROUP Students ages 10 to 18 DURATION SESSION DURATION 9 sessions 2 hours STUDENTS IMPACTED 545
YOUTH MULTIPLIER NETWORK OBJECTIVE Raise awareness with parents, teachers and students about the situation in the educational system concerning topics of violence and bullying. TARGET GROUP Students ages 10 to 18 DURATION NETWORK MEMBERS Various activities 94
WORKSHOPS ON PREVENTING BULLYING AND VIOLENCE OBJECTIVE Raise awareness with parents, teachers and students about preventing bullying and violence. TARGET GROUP Groups of parents, teachers, and students DURATION SESSION DURATION 1 session 2 hours POPULATION IMPACTED 3,125
BASEBALL CARES MUSICAL OBJECTIVE Raise awareness about preventing bullying and violence in schools through music. TARGET GROUP Students ages 10 to 18 DURATION SESSION DURATION 10 sessions 3 hours IMPACT 6 songs, 500 CDs produced www.baseballcares.org Yearly Report 2017 - Baseball Cares
21
SUSTAINABILITY
BECOMING
Sustainable Our goal is to make Baseball Cares sustainable with support from fans, players, teams, and the private sector. Today Baseball Cares has attractive and tested products and services worthy of sponsorship. With little investment, our supporters can positively and productively impact the lives of students, teachers, and parents in our schools and communities. For more information you can access www.baseballcares. org or send an e-mail to efrias@baseballcares.org. Now it is your time to stand up to bat. Everybody can participate in Baseball Cares. Whether you are a fan, player, or team, or simply somebody who wants to make a positive difference, Baseball Cares offers many ways to get involved. You can donate, volunteer, and mobilize community and school groups around your favorite player. There are many opportunities – as individuals, families, schools, faith-based groups, community service organizations, and businesses. 22
Baseball Cares - Yearly Report 2017 www.baseballcares.org
• Mobilize a Baseball Cares support group of fans around your favorite Dominican player. • Contact the Community Affairs office of your favorite team for ideas on promoting Baseball Cares. • Promote a Baseball Cares tour to the DR, do volunteer work, and discover the beauty and culture of the country. • Have your children’s school do community work at a Baseball Cares school. • Adopt a school through a partnership program with pen pal programs. • Implement book drives and help set up libraries. • Host Read-A-Thons at your local school. • Coordinate your local Young Author’s Festival to partner with a Baseball Cares school. • Host an Awareness Walk for Students with Special Needs. •
Direct part of your business’ corporate social responsibility program to Baseball Cares.
•
Volunteer your time working in any of the major themes of Baseball Cares.
www.baseballcares.org Yearly Report 2017 - Baseball Cares
23
M&E RESULTS
24
Baseball Cares - Yearly Report 2017 www.baseballcares.org
M&E RESULTS
www.baseballcares.org Yearly Report 2017 - Baseball Cares
25
MOMENTS
26
Baseball Cares - Yearly Report 2017 www.baseballcares.org
www.baseballcares.org Yearly Report 2017 - Baseball Cares
27
28
Baseball Cares - Yearly Report 2017 www.baseballcares.org