Largest Class Graduates From ANIJA
This May, ANIJA School celebrated the graduation of 37 ninth grade students—the final grade level offered at the school.
Having completed their studies at ANIJA, they now transition to the local high school to continue their education, carrying with them the values, knowledge, and character nurtured in this Christ-centered community.
The ceremony was filled with joy and gratitude.
Families, teachers, and classmates gathered to celebrate not only academic achievement but also years of perseverance, personal growth, and faith.
For many, these students may be the most educated in their own families. In impoverished communities across the Dominican Republic, education rarely extends beyond the basics. Many adults have not studied past sixth grade, leaving generations with limited literacy, job skills, and opportunities. This educational gap perpetuates cycles of poverty where children are pressured into labor, early marriage, or other survival-driven choices instead of school.
Without intervention, these barriers keep families trapped for generations—but access to quality, consistent education opens the door to transformation and hope, making this celebration incredibly monumental.
One graduate reflected, “You gave us something no one can take away—education, knowledge, and focus.”
Parents also shared moving words of gratitude, recognizing that the impact of ANIJA extends beyond the classroom. As one parent expressed, “ANIJA prepares our children not just for this life—but for eternal life. And it prepares us as parents to guide them toward it.”
As these graduates step into new schools and new environments, we ask for your prayers. Pray for courage as they navigate academics, friendships, and faith.
Though their academic journey at ANIJA has come to an end, these graduates are not saying goodbye. Through ANIJA Club, a weekly discipleship program for high schoolers who have graduated from the program, many continue to gather for encouragement, mentorship, and spiritual growth. In this way, ANIJA remains more than a school—it is a lifelong community where students stay connected, supported, and reminded that they are never walking their journey alone.
