UNESCO statistics reveal that only 30% of women around the world choose higher education in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Globally, female student enrollment is particularly low in with a mere 3% in data sciences and technology, 5% in natural sciences, mathematics and statistics, and 8% in engineering, manufacturing and construction.

This year's efforts to enhance the value of the unique beaches of the municipality of Miches have been an example of integration and empowerment.

Since 2011, Fundación Tropicalia and Universidad ISA (UISA) have shared the same vision, offering opportunities for young talents in the province of El Seibo to better themselves. This is how the scholarship program that fosters inclusion in higher education and cultural exchange is born.

The project “Inclusion of Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) in the Sustainable Tourism Supply Chain in Miches” has been implemented since 2013 by Fundación Tropicalia in partnership with the Multilateral Investment Fund of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB/MIF) with a global investment of almost a million dollars.

This initiative, led by Fundación Tropicalia in partnership with the Multilateral Investment Fund of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB / MIF), seeks to empower local producers and entrepreneurs.

Did you know the Dominican Republic is the 5th country in Latin America and the Caribbean with the highest teen pregnancy rate? And did you know 44% of teenage school dropouts are a result of early pregnancy? In 2016, more than 790,000 (37%) of Dominican girls were married before reaching the age of 18.

Once again we come together to help the girls of Miches with the 2017 edition of “Soy niña, soy importante” (SNSI) or “I’m a Girl, I’m Important” summer camp, with the mission of offering at-risk girls 9 to 12 years old a fun, safe and educational experience.

On January 28, we hosted the annual celebration of our School Renovation and Maintenance Program (PRyME) with more than 300 guests from the Miches school community - teachers, principals, community members, etc. - Educational District 12-04, local authorities and the Ministry of Education (MINERD).

Fundación Tropicalia and private university “Universidad Iberoamericana” (also known as UNIBE) signed an agreement to promote collaboration between the two institutions through programs aimed at contributing to the social development of Miches.

Fundación Tropicalia was honored by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) at the agency’s 13th UNTWO Awards ceremony held at the International Tourism Trade Fair in Madrid.

In 2016, Fundación Tropicalia has been honored on four occasions by prestigious organizations, both for its global work and for its programs.

2016 has been a year full of progress and positive news for COOPROMI (Cooperative of production, work and multiple services of Miches).

Each year, Fundación Tropicalia runs a supplementary activities program in Miches public schools to support students’ interests in and aptitude for the arts and critical and creative thinking.

Fundación Tropicalia has continued its support, awareness and conservation efforts of the coasts and beaches of Miches with multiple actions, as part of their work of its Environment area.

During the months of July and August we celebrated the fourth edition of “Soy niña,
soy importante” (SNSI) or I’m a girl, I’m Important all-girls summer day camp. This year we were able to meet our goal yet again - 250 girls ages 9-12 from Miches had the summer of their lives!

As part of our project 'Inclusion of the Micro and Small Enterprise into the Sustainable Tourism Supply Chain in Miches', we have developed ¡Miches, sí! (or “Miches, Yes!”): a business program focused on strengthening local business and supporting new ventures that cater to tourism and agricultural sustainability.

Fundación Tropicalia launches its 2016 summer program for girls called “Soy Niña, Soy Importante” (SNSI: ‘I’m a Girl, I’m Important’) in the developing community of Miches. The camp provides a safe, educational and fun environment in an effort to teach at-risk 9-12 years old girls about healthy living and personal and career development.

A portion of the proceeds received from art pieces sold will be used to support SNSI (“I’m a Girl, I’m Important”), a summer camp for girls living in vulnerable environments in Miches.

Throughout our eight years of work in Miches, we have developed multiple projects around four key areas: the environment, socio-cultural advocacy, productivity and education. Here are a few infographics that show, for each area, the results and achievements of our work.

Fundación Tropicalia, in coordination with local authorities, the Ministry of Environment, the Municipal District of El Cedro and Miches' Government, carried out the Costa Esmeralda Beach Rescue project, one of the programs developed within our area of Environment and whose mission is the maintenance and conservation of the beach, as well as promote compliance with environmental regulations.