COCREF is Christian day school system with 21 schools, located throughout the country in some of the poorer areas. With a staff of over 200 and an enrollment of almost 5,000, COCREF is nurturing, training, and transforming these children's lives, their families and communities. A team of Dominican supervisors oversee the administrative and educational development of the schools. Our team's work focuses on assisting them in goal-setting, budget planning, increased organizational and educational development, and promotion.

The schools are classified from A to D, based on the development of the school and the socio-economic conditions of the communities where they are located. The "A" schools, located in barrios of the capital of Santo Domingo, are nearly 100% self sufficient through tuition income, and even supply economic support to "D" schools; the "B" and "C" schools have more outside support due to greater needs; "D" schools charge no tuition, and are in the poorest of the poor communities;

Christian Reformed World Missions provides are substantial grant to COCREF that mostly covers teachers' salaries in the B, C, & D schools.

All COCREF teachers are professing Christians and members of churches, many of whom are actively involved in leadership positions. 75% are licensed educators, the other 25% are in the process of licensing. All participate in specialized training workshops throughout the year and each summer.

Over 90% of students graduating from COCREF high schools go on to universities. Many COCREF alumni are currently working in professional areas and are working as teachers, principals, doctors and lawyers.

In addition to its partnership with CRWM, COCREF also partners with Worldwide Christian Schools, the Relief Arm of the Netherlands Reformed Church, and other church groups.

Some Recent Successes:

A new governing board is formed and functioning. This will help with structural and organizational stability.

Two more high schools have been added. There are now 5 high schools, along with the 21 elementary schools.

The first 8th grade graduation of a D school was held this year. It was a wonderful blessing to watch 17 students graduate from an area where the parents never thought it possible that their children would receive any kind of education there.

Two schools now have a computer lab!

Please pray for this wonderful ministry, the wonderful teachers, supervisors and other staff, and the outreach to the wonderful children.