"We have become a group of mothers, a network," says Erercida, a mother of four who with other mothers has opened a sewing workshop with help from Plan.

The Dominican Republic, in the Caribbean, is one of the largest tourist destinations in Central America. But sadly the truth behind images of beaches and pina coladas is a country gripped by poverty; where children make up most of the population - and it is the children who are suffering the most, especially, those who live in single parent homes. Due to a high rate of domestic violence - 26 per cent of families are headed by women.

Mothers, whether single or still living with husbands, struggle to feed, clothe and educate their children, but thanks to Plan, many of these women have had the chance to learn the skills and receive the resources needed to set up their own sewing business.

Erercida who has lived in a small rural village in the Dominican Republic says she did not want to move her four children to a city in search of work. But then Plan offered the vocational training in commercial sewing which gave her and other women the skills to set up a small factory producing school uniforms and work wear. Erercida and the other women not only gained an income but a whole new way of life.

Plan supplied the funds to build a workshop, bought 13 sewing machines and a roll of material. Soon 15 mothers were sewing clothes to sell commercially. The income meant the mothers could now properly care for their children. It also meant they had a social life and for some it meant no longer being reliant on husbands and partners who abused them.

With no town hall or similar fixed accommodation available, Plan decided to train the women and other villagers seeking new skills in a mobile way.

"We purchased four mobile containers equipped for workshops in sewing, electricial, bricklaying and baking," a Plan spokesman said. "The mobile training rooms are taken to a community for a year then moved on, leaving the people to start their own business using their newfound skills."

As well as learning a trade, the students are also taught business management and accounting skills.

Plan's project work in the Dominican Republic also includes education, early childhood care and development, healthcare, microfinance, and water and sanitation - all are funded by donations and child sponsorships.