Life Skills Job Skills at Ark Constanza

This June, the residential staff at Ark Constanza—including house parents, social workers, directors, and maintenance staff—celebrated a special milestone: graduation with a certification in the Life Skills Job Skills course.

Why Life Skills Job Skills?

In the Dominican Republic, many families live paycheck to paycheck—stressed by accumulating debt and lacking tools to plan for even small financial surprises. According to the Banco Central’s 2014 Financial and Economic Culture Survey, just 26.5% of adults reported saving through a formal financial institution—and around 38% relied on informal lenders for credit (cemla.org)  These findings reflect a broader reality: most households have little buffer for emergencies, rely on high‑interest borrowing, and often make emotional, urgent purchases that lead to years of unnecessary financial strain. 

This reality led to the development of the Life & Job Skills course certification offered across Kids Alive DR ministries. In June, the residential staff at Ark Constanza—including house parents, social workers, directors, and support staff—celebrated a special milestone: graduation with a certification in the Life & Job Skills course. The course was offered to Ark staff this year as part of a broader vision to multiply its impact across generations. Many of these team members have served faithfully in residential care for over a decade—and now they are further equipped to serve youth with knowledge of financial stewardship and management. 

Instructed by José Savignon, who works at the Ark Constanza, the course focused on practical financial tools like budgeting, goal-setting, and rethinking our relationship with money. José continues to teach the course throughout the year—both to staff and students in Constanza. In fact, a group of 9th graders recently completed the same curriculum, further anchoring Kids Alive’s commitment to generational change. 

A life-changing impact

“This course has been a great blessing. I used to stress about who to pay first, but now I have an emergency fund and a plan.”  — Félix, Maintenance Staff 

Participants shared honest and often emotional testimonies. “I used to think my income wasn’t enough to save anything,” said one graduate. “But the envelope system changed that. Now I have one for essentials, one for savings, and one for desires—and we’re taking our first family trip!”

Another participant reflected, “I’ve always been a saver—but now I’m saving with purpose, not just to save, but with a goal.”

One individual even admitted to taking out a loan just to buy a toaster, unaware of the interest that would slowly accumulate over time—a decision they now view with clarity and wisdom. 

“Before, I’d buy things I didn’t need. Now I ask: ‘Do I really need this?’ And often, the answer is no.” — Staff Member 

“We joked about compulsive buying—but now we know how to think, plan, and act. It’s about multiplying what we’ve learned.” — Staff Member

The course was originally developed by Jack, a Wheaton Academy graduate, under the mentorship of Phil Strzalka. It brings together biblical values, practical life planning, and a vision for freedom and flourishing.  

Jack sharing with course participants

This summer, Jack served as an intern in the Dominican Republic and had the opportunity to teach the course alongside José. “We created this course so people could move from surviving to thriving,” Jack shared. “To see it in the hands of caregivers—people raising the next generation—is everything we hoped for.” 

Instructor José closed the final session with deep encouragement. “It fills me with joy to hear how you’ve grown,” he said. “We’ve shared this journey together. And what you’ve learned—you’ll now teach others. This is a chain. We all learn from each other—just as the Lord wants.” 

“This wasn’t just for us. My husband didn’t take the class, but I’m going to teach him—and my kids too.” 
— Staff Member 

A joyful celebration followed, complete with a raffle and certificate ceremony. But the lasting impact is in what comes next: caregivers modeling thoughtful stewardship, faith-driven decision-making, and emotional resilience—a testimony for the children they serve every day.