I think most people who are at all familiar with the DR would agree that education is one of the most pressing issues facing this country.
Those who do stay in school until 12 do not necessarily know how to read fluently, nor do they truly understand mathematics. In general, the public schools in the Dominican Republic provide only a very superficial level of education.
While some schools in the DR might be better than others in this regard, no child here is getting a comparable education with children in any first world country. If a student in the DR attends school until the age of 12, they are probably getting only the equivalent of a 3rd or 4th grader would get in North America.
I think most people who are at all familiar with the DR would agree that education is one of the most pressing issues facing this country.
Those who do stay in school until 12 do not necessarily know how to read fluently, nor do they truly understand mathematics. In general, the public schools in the Dominican Republic provide only a very superficial level of education.
While some schools in the DR might be better than others in this regard, no child here is getting a comparable education with children in any first world country. If a student in the DR attends school until the age of 12, they are probably getting only the equivalent of a 3rd or 4th grader would get in North America.
AND from Catheineintherye " The reasons given for the poor quality of education in public DR schools run the gamut from 'cultural' to 'political will' to expediency (restricting the access to political and financial power). More than likely it is a combination of all those reasons and more."Maybe the government should take lessons from India. They invested time and money into the educational system and are a growing power in the world. Also look at Cuba. GREAT education and health care. Too bad that doesn't seem to be a great concern here in the RD.
AND from Catheineintherye " The reasons given for the poor quality of education in public DR schools run the gamut from 'cultural' to 'political will' to expediency (restricting the access to political and financial power). More than likely it is a combination of all those reasons and more."
Having read several posts on DR!, there is a caste system n the DR that has value. To provide opportunities for financial and thus social mobility would impose a threat to the small, yet powerful upper class. Can you imagine; " My parents were poor Hatians who worked in the sugar fields and my mama was a puta and now I am President of Republica Dominica. " Perhaps not so dramatic, but it's the flavour of the story that's the example.
State schools are free, but it's true that teachers don't get a living wage and are very poorly trained.A start might be making school free, paying teachers a living wage and if uniforms are required have the government pay for them.
State schools are free, but it's true that teachers don't get a living wage and are very poorly trained.
This government has introduced a new 'double salary' for public sector employees to buy their kids school supplies. Uniforms and especially school textbooks and all the other school materials are a major expense for a low-income family.
I tend to agree about parental priorities, Bob. I would also ask why have 3-4 or more kids if you can't afford to educate them, but at the same time I know it is not quite as simple as that. One thing though, is it really true about textbooks being free for state school students? I'd never heard that was the case.Teachers in the public system if they are working the full day make 18,000 to 20,000 pesos a month, hardly a great wage but considerably more than a great deal of the population. The 2 year teachers diploma is indeed not a very good program. As far a textbooks in the public system they are free. Uniforms cost the equivalent of several trips to the hairdressers or one night at the disco or car-wash. While it is true many poor people can't afford uniforms when they have 3-4 kids It is also true that they seem to come up with the money for the beauty salon, and beer. The government can take some of the blame, but the people themselves should be shouldering the majority of it.
I tend to agree about parental priorities, Bob. I would also ask why have 3-4 or more kids if you can't afford to educate them, but at the same time I know it is not quite as simple as that. One thing though, is it really true about textbooks being free for state school students? I'd never heard that was the case.
I tend to agree about parental priorities, Bob. I would also ask why have 3-4 or more kids if you can't afford to educate them, but at the same time I know it is not quite as simple as that. One thing though, is it really true about textbooks being free for state school students? I'd never heard that was the case.
I too think it's more complicated than money being spent on beauty salons etc. I don't think it is up to the poor to fix the system or does any good to blame them. The government should take the lead and make education a priority.
I totally agree it has to start with parents, that's universal 1st world or 3rd world. I guess I just don't like generalizations that beauty salons and beer are more important. That seems like a Western view. Poor people here have a hard life. If they don't have any good models than the government should show them options, emphasize education etc.
I'm glad to hear people complained and the government did something. It just seems such a shame to read stories about kids who can't go to school because they can't afford uniforms.