According to a study by the Ministry of Education and the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (Unicef), some 60% of Dominicans aged from 18-20 did not finish school because of low competency in reading, writing and mathematics in their first years at school. According to the study, called “Children Outside School in the Dominican Republic,” 18% of 5 year olds are still not going to school, 2% of children of ages 6 to 11 years, and 2.5% of those of ages 12 to 14 years. 9.9% of children from 15-17 years do not attend classes regularly.
The study also revealed that in the first part of primary school (grades 1 to 3) there are 13% of children two years or more over age, due to having to repeat the year or leaving school early. The research revealed that high number of students repeating a grade level at some point during their studies can be traced to a lack of competence in reading, writing and mathematics which leads to an increased probability of the child dropping out of school early.
Rosa Elcarte, representative of Unicef in the DR, nevertheless said there have been advances in public school education. She mentioned the expansion of the all day schools where students remain until 4pm, universal access to elementary education, teacher training programs and creation of anti-violence programs in public schools.
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Listin Diario
7 Dias
14 February 2018
