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Nonprofit 180 Degrees Turns Life Around For Sugar Cane Workers In Dominican Republic (PHOTOS)

First Posted: 12/15/11 12:18 PM ET   Updated: 12/15/11 04:19 PM ET

In the Dominican Republic, impoverished and marginalized workers are underpaid and under-educated, perpetuating a system of dependence on cheap and labor-intensive work.

These workers live in what are called bateyes, camps and communities on sugar cane plantations where most of the population works. They lack access to basic needs such as education and health care.

But one nonprofit group is hoping to turn that cycle around -- literally. 180 Grados, translated to 180 Degrees, is a nonprofit which addresses the prejudices these groups face from the Dominican government, providing schooling, summer camps, literacy training programs, vaccinations, senior care, and community development projects for people who live on or near bateyes.

180 Degrees held a benefit this week in New York City, hosted by Openhouse Gallery. The event included fashion donations from Brunello Cucinelli, Marc Jacobs, Chelsey by Joseph and Narcisco Rodriguez; art donations from Julian Hibbard, and a photo exhibition of the bateyes from Tomoya Ueda and Aya Nitamizu.

The items were auctioned off, raising about $7,000 for 180 Degrees.

Photographers Tomoya Ueda and Aya Nitamizu have documented typical life in a batey. The images were featured internationally before making their U.S. debut at the benefit.

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Photos depict life in a Dominican Republic batey, camps and communities on sugar cane plantations where most of the population works. The images, shot by Tomoya Ueda and Aya Nitamizu, were featured internationally before making their U.S. debut at a benefit event by 180 Degrees. The nonprofit that works to alleviate the marginalization of Haitian migrant communities working on bateyes.
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In the Dominican Republic, impoverished and marginalized workers are underpaid and under-educated, perpetuating a system of dependence on cheap and labor-intensive work. These workers live in what...
In the Dominican Republic, impoverished and marginalized workers are underpaid and under-educated, perpetuating a system of dependence on cheap and labor-intensive work. These workers live in what...
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