Change in Education

This is very good news. Thank you for sharing!  It is time that this country with the fastest growing economy in the western world began investing much more in their people....

Unfortunately it all came about from a ground swell of public opinion back in 2010 demanding that the sum stipulated in law be spent on education and the then candidates for the 2012 presidential election agreed to this demand. Danilo Medina became President and during his tenure things have improved dramatically in terms of classrooms and schools and of course there was a big need for teachers to meet the additional schooling. No small achievement for sure and essential for any developing country but neglected for far too long.

Standards are still not good and it will take years for the improvements to bear fruit providing the investment in education continues and worthwhile jobs are provided for the future graduates of the system.

Post graduate education tends to be private and expensive but there is a yearning in society especially women to attain higher standards of learning.

One wonders where will education be in the upcoming presidential campaigns knowing that two potential candidates, Leonel Fernandez and Hipolito Meija presided over years of serious under investment?

A huge problem for DR is the soaring public debt and before elections there is always a large amount of extra public funding for projects to woo the voters. And many of those voters will have lacked good basic education in their youth and perhaps vote to contunie the nepotism and corruption and the lower quality of public services that the country still suffers from, not to mention a need for electricity and water provision for all and improved security.

Under investment in education in DR has likley led to many of the problems faced in society but there is hope that a younger more educated electorate could gradually change things in the forthcoming electoral cycles.

I agree there is still so much to be done.  At least this is a start and we can hope that there will remain public pressure to continue advances.

Meanwhile I  will continue to sponsor educational opportunities for my employees and their children!

Nice to read that one of the potential ruling party presidential candidates wants to deepen the education reforms.

https://hoy.com.do/francisco-dominguez- … educacion/

At the very least he could represent new blood in the political system albeit a purple variety.

Glad to hear this...it is wonderful to see the lamp of learning and knowledge lit in a young one's eyes!

i just pray they won't be conned into adopting Common Core, or anything else by the same name.  Even the not-conservative studies are admitting CC has failed in the USA.   

ExpatRusher

We have also seen a positive change with Dominican families valuing education more. Having better physical facilities is also helping with that.

4 years ago our nieces and nephews didn't go to school regularly. They live in the country, rather remote, but still in a tourist zone so there's interaction with people from all over the world.

Alot of families feel like it's more important for kids to chip in and help the family make money. 

We had some very "energetic" conversations about the kids going to school. Fortunately now all of them go to school all day - 2 in particular are incredibly gifted - very excited for their futures now.

Education changes people, families and communities!

I have had a few vigorous conversations about education! The other day I had a serious one about bed time!!! Kids need sleep in order ti be able to learn.  Put that 7 year old to bed way before 10 pm.  Poor kid gets up at 5:30!  It was an extended discussion!

You have made real relationships with Dominicans - It's easier to have those conversations with them. And they respect you for it because they know you care.

Funny thing is in the DR, people who have never lived in North América will tell YOU what it is like to live there! Lol

That's what usually leads to the vigorous conversations with us lol

In all seriousness, all day school is a signifcant adjustment to traditional eating and sleeping schedules.

That drives me nuts as well. The tail wagging the dog.

Yes and their " knowledge " comes from tv and others who tell stories.

Not really different from tourists who visit resorts and know the Dominican Republic!