School children to get new uniforms; everyone to wear blue jeans

[Dolores]

The National Institute of Student Welfare (Inabie) announced it will spend RD$1.97 billion to change the student uniform for the next school year. The Inabie is holding a tender to choose the suppliers of the blue jeans and light blue polo shirts for the students. The agency of the Ministry of Education says public school uniforms will now be the same for all.

For the 2022-2023 school year, students at public schools have worn khaki pants and colored polo shirts depending on the region. This uniform was instated in 2017. At that time, public school students wore an all-khaki uniform, with girls wearing skirts and boys pants.

The Inabie explains the decision is taken to protect the emotional well-being of female students during their menstruation period and to promote identity and equality, reinforcing the feeling of safety, unity and belonging to a student collective...

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[tee]

Not a bad idea not only for the reasons explained in the article but also that jeans, being more durable, will last longer.

 

[drstock]

How are they spending so much on this? At present parents have to pay for the school clothes. Is the government now going to pay?

 

[Auryn]

How are they spending so much on this? At present parents have to pay for the school clothes. Is the government now going to pay?

Given their track record, I’d be shocked if the government were paying for the uniforms.

Rather getting paid, if anything. This is an opportunity to make some money for their own pockets, nothing more.

 

[Yourmaninvegas]

The solution to the education problem in the Dominican Republic is not going to be solved by DRGOV.
This is like putting a lipstick and a dress on a sow and calling her a beauty queen.

 

[JD Jones]

How are they spending so much on this? At present parents have to pay for the school clothes. Is the government now going to pay?

Gov't gets a bulk discount from manufacturers and passes the savings on to parents? Kids all wear the same uniform of jeans and light blue polo shirt.

 

[NanSanPedro]

The solution to the education problem in the Dominican Republic is not going to be solved by DRGOV.
This is like putting a lipstick and a dress on a sow and calling her a beauty queen.

But they look so nice...

 

[Joseph NY2STI]

My teacher amiga had one word: "estupido". She had a few others that would get me banned.

 

[CristoRey]

" to promote identity and equality, reinforcing the feeling of safety, unity and belonging to a student collective."

Hmmm....
Interesting.
Reminds me of what they were saying up north twenty years ago.

 

[PJT]

Is this changing of uniforms of uniforms really necessary? Why? Keep the same colors as before, blue or green is fine. Many parents cannot afford new uniforms for their children. They rely on hand-me-downs, exchanging, or receiving assistance from family, friends, and neighbors. When pants or skirts get shiny bottoms or blouses get threadbare or they are not clean then it is time to renew.

Regards,

PJT

 

[NanSanPedro]

It's a cultural thing in many countries. I think it's silly. Even in Haiti, the thought of going to school without a uniform is abhorrent.

We do it this way because this is the way it's done.

 

[bob saunders]

But they look so nice...

Given their track record, I’d be shocked if the government were paying for the uniforms.

Rather getting paid, if anything. This is an opportunity to make some money for their own pockets, nothing more.

Exactly, a big contract for a political supporter who in turn funnels a bunch of the money back.

 

[bob saunders]

It's a cultural thing in many countries. I think it's silly. Even in Haiti, the thought of going to school without a uniform is abhorrent.

We do it this way because this is the way it's done.

My sons, and stepson went to public schools in Canada until we moved to Ontario and then they went to Catholic high school. They all said they preferred wearing uniforms because they didn't have to figure out what to wear, they thought the girls looked hot in their uniforms, plus they tought the uniforms were nice.

 

[Yourmaninvegas]

If something is required by the government there should be a means test and an allowance given for the uniforms.
I cannot tell you how stressful of a time is when it is time for single mothers to dress up their kids.
Think of that scene out of Forest Gump...

 

[Auryn]

It also sounds like the jeans are coming from a specific supplier as well. So it’s not even going to save families any money. At first I thought it wouldn’t be a bad idea to have jeans, because families could purchase them at las pulgas and for cheaper etc. Nope.

Take away the formality of the chinos, make it more casual. But make sure the jeans manufacturer greases the right wheel, or is the actual político himself. Guaranteed.

You can’t even make this stuff up.

I hope kids can eventually just go to school with whatever jeans they want, within reason. No tears, and within 1-2 of the proper size.

 

[bob saunders]

If something is required by the government there should be a means test and an allowance given for the uniforms.
I cannot tell you how stressful of a time is when it is time for single mothers to dress up their kids.
Think of that scene out of Forest Gump...

One less trip to the salon, and two less beer. The article says the government is spending 1.97 billion pesos. It would appear these uniforms will be free. The very poor barrio a couple hundred yards from me has lots of poor Dominicans and Haitians. They all manage to have full uniforms. There are organizations (foundations that help poor people) The government also gives out free pack backs and shoes. Obviously not enough for everyone, but the bono system (Dominican social welfare system) actually does help many poor Dominicans. We have lots of parents that donate they children's school clothing when their children either outgrown them or leave the school.

 

[Yourmaninvegas]

So are the male teachers going to do the jean inspection on the girls to make sure they have a proper uniform on.
Even if they do it to the boys too...
Can anyone else see that the jeans police may just be a bit unsettling to some people?

Starts to make private school sound like a good value...

 

[Yourmaninvegas]

One less trip to the salon, and two less beer. The article says the government is spending 1.97 billion pesos. It would appear these uniforms will be free. The very poor barrio a couple hundred yards from me has lots of poor Dominicans and Haitians. They all manage to have full uniforms. There are organizations (foundations that help poor people) The government also gives out free pack backs and shoes. Obviously not enough for everyone, but the bono system (Dominican social welfare system) actually does help many poor Dominicans. We have lots of parents that donate they children's school clothing when their children either outgrown them or leave the school.

Well Bobbi,
I'm glad your experiences have been different from mine.
But remember, even if your are from Canada they fail to invalidate mine because they are different.
By the way...I have NEVER seen a Dominican child that did not have a proper uniform.
Single mothers just get it done...they do whatever it takes.

I thought it was too dangerous for Canadians to visit the Dominican Republic.
Will you and @william webster be leaving soon❓

 

[AlterEgo]

Well Bobbi,
I'm glad your experiences have been different from mine.
But remember, even if your are from Canada they fail to invalidate mine because they are different.
By the way...I have NEVER seen a Dominican child that did not have a proper uniform.
Single mothers just get it done...they do whatever it takes

Some here will remember the year that Matilda/Lindsay found out there were a lot of kids in Esperanza who weren’t attending school because their parents couldn’t afford their uniforms. In typical Lindsay style, she appealed here and on Facebook for donations, and people from literally around the world chipped in. With sizes in hand, she went and bought everything they needed.

I’d bet there are other similar communities today.

 

[bob saunders]

Well Bobbi,
I'm glad your experiences have been different from mine.
But remember, even if your are from Canada they fail to invalidate mine because they are different.
By the way...I have NEVER seen a Dominican child that did not have a proper uniform.
Single mothers just get it done...they do whatever it takes.

I thought it was too dangerous for Canadians to visit the Dominican Republic.
Will you and @william webster be leaving soon❓

I will still be here long after you leave or are looking for a new lawyer. Your experiences don't invalidate mine either.