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.
SLIDESHOW:
