My thoughts on the subject and some key stats-
Regarding the Dominican education system, the levels of deficiency are so complex that it's a topic that can't be discussed in a single session with resolution. Education of the populace is the government's responsibility and the lack of proper education is a reflection of the many weaknesses of its deficient government. The public school system is a mirror of the state of education in the DR. Since the majority of DR students only have public school as an option there should be no surprise when people assess the gaps which start with the teachers, the facility itself, the curriculum, supplies, and the end result is the deficiencies in education as evidenced by the knowledge of the students.
Although it's clear that the public school system (aka government run education) is much at fault there also is another key factor stemming from the home which is proper mentoring and role models for children from a young age to even appreciate education. This factor is severely lacking in many Dominican homes. Parents who have had a good education do (in general) instil its value in their children from a young age. Children from a poor family see this tendency much less. It?s a vicious cycle to break when many young children are forced to abandon school to care for their siblings and parents (contribute to the home) or simply lack the drive to pursue higher education.
Here are some interesting and recent stats about the student dropout rate in Latin America (which is a good way to compare how the DR fairs when compared to other Latin American countries). It's no surprise to me that the DR has one of highest dropout rates in Latin America and one key question is what are these students doing as an alternative since they are not attending school? The article speaks to this issue as well.
Here are a few key stats pertaining to the struggle in education in Latin America and the DR:
* The top three countries with the highest drop rates: Nicaragua 63%,
the DR 59% and Colombia 46%.
* equal access to education for all in Latin America and achievement of high participation in the primary grades and high school;
* deficiencies in the curriculum and educational material among other factors contribute to the high dropout rate at an early age;
* here are the current drop out rate stats in the DR:
En nuestro Pa?s los ?ndices de deserci?n escolar son altos, seg?n datos de la secretaria de educaci?n en el curso anterior 145 mil 421 estudiantes de las escuelas publicas desertaron y 33 mil 393 lo hicieron en centros de ense?anza privada, lo que hace un gran total de 178 mil 814 alumnos.
* high absenteeism in the poor sectors and the reasons vary greatly ranging from students having to help their parents to ignorance (regarding the importance of education).
Could this be anymore of a disservice to your own child?!?! Again this speaks to my point earlier about education not being valued by many adults (thus trickling down to their children and creating a vicious cycle) in the DR.
* the education problem directly correlates to the DR's lack of development as a country. It is not a developed country by any means in spite of posts by a few who try to paint a different reality.
Deserci?n escolar
* based on data from the both articles here is what I find most disturbing. Students who have left school in Latin America principally engage in the following activities/ or the end result is;
- teenage pregnancy
- gang participation, crime and violence
- drug and alcohol abuse- (the addiction therefore begins at a very young age)
-the above mentioned data certainly reflects the DR reality and is stated in the article linked above.
La Secretaria de Educaci?n realiza esfuerzos, para lograr que j?venes y adultos regresen a la escuela, en ese sentido designo 2 mil nuevos psic?logos y orientadores escolares a fin de fortalecer los programas de educaci?n y reducir la deserci?n escolar en j?venes y adolescentes, evitar los embarazos precoces, el consumo de drogas, las pandillas juveniles y el reforzamiento de valores.
Here is the second article from
La Prensa (Nicaragua). The report was produced by BM-
Banco Mundial
LA PRENSA - Nacionales
Regarding Cuba, I have a few Cuban friends and in a general sense they are knowledgeable, worldly, have post high school education and a good command of Spanish. I can't say all Cubans have a high level of education based on the few I know but I understand your comparison. I have heard this comment many times from different sources when comparing the education level of the average Dominican vs. the average Cuban. I think a further comparison must be made between Cubans abroad vs. Cubans living in Cuba because I think there's a difference in the educational level of the Cuban population.
However, in my opinion, this is just another strike against the educational deficiency in the DR. In general, the populace and its level of education/ knowledge should reflect a country's standards. IMO, it will be hard for the DR to catch up to other Latin American countries even with a serious campaign in place. In March of this year, the Secretary of Education stated that in forty-five days he would roll out his plan to eradicate illiteracy in three years which I think is unrealistic. I have done some follow up to see what the plan entails and I have found nothing to date. If anyone has seen this plan please post the link.
As you can see it?s a complex topic but I just wanted to post my thoughts and it's good to revist the topic on DR1 every now and then because the situation seems to be getting worse (if that?s possible) and again the future and chance for another generation to progress is at stake.
-Marianopolita.