History The Centre for Integrated Training and Research COIN (Spanish acronym), is a non-governmental organization (NGO) established on November 28th 1988 and legally registered by decree 63-89 issued by the Dominican Government on February 20th 1989. Since its inception, COIN has provided education and prevention services in sexual and reproductive health and HIV/AIDS for marginalized populations, including: Commercial Sex Workers, (CSWs), men who have sex with men (MSM), industrial workers, youth in particularly difficult circumstances, migrant and trafficked women, and domestic workers.  Over time COIN has integrated other programmatic areas to its work, based on the encountered needs of its target groups, such as: gender, self-esteem, sexuality, sexual health and reproductive rights, human rights, comprehensive medical and laboratory services, organizational and self management skills. Research is a primary component of COIN’s work on account of the scant information on the populations we serve; the benefits of evidence-based programming for impact; and the need to challenge views based on social fears and prejudices. The institution has a long history in research undertaken by a multi-disciplinary team with extensive experience and a participatory approach. The empowerment of socially marginalized populations has always been central to COIN’s work. Over the years the institution has supported and strengthened disenfranchised groups empowering them to set up their own organizations. Examples of this include “Amigos Siempre Amigos”, an NGO by and for the MSM community, which is now a leader in the field in its own right; and MODEMU, the first Sex Workers Association in the Dominican Republic and indeed the Caribbean. COIN is also a co-founder of the national coalition of AIDS Service Organizations, ONGSIDA which helps coordinate civil society’s response to HIV/AIDS in the Dominican Republic. It also played a key role along with the International Organization for Migration (IMO), and the Secretary of State for Women’s Affairs, in the establishment of the Inter-institutional Committee for the Protection of Migrant Women (CIPROM).

PROGRAMMING  Forward Together "Forward Together” was the first project of its kind implemented in the Dominican Republic. It seeks to bring about behaviour change in relation to sexuality, sexual and reproductive health and condom use in sexual workers... Read more  Work and Health This innovative project brings information and services relating to STD/HIV/AIDS prevention to employees at the work place. Read more  CIMS The CIMS project is an integrated program of prevention, information, support and empowerment directed at migrants, potential women travellers, and other key players in countries of origin, transit and destination. Read More