Purchasing of text books for the new school year is once again proving to be a headache for parents, especially those with children at private schools. Parents complain that they must supply a staggering array of provisions for their children to attend class beginning this month. One parent was told that she must supply the toilet paper for two children who will be attending classes this school year.
The difficulties especially affect the middle class because most public school children will receive school supplies, backpacks, uniforms and books from the government.
Educators note that the price of the books for the basic subjects run between RD$900 and RD$1,000. On top of these costs, the parents have to buy uniforms, back packs and shoes for their kids.
One mother said that she could not buy all her son needed. Her son’s shopping list included 14 books (including a Bible) and other school supplies.