A feature in Diario Libre published on 18 April 2022 compiles several of the headline stories on the irregularities and problems in the realm of the Ministry of Education under Minister Roberto Furcal. Furcal was the electoral campaign manager for today President Luis Abinader. He is criticized for an administration marked by political patronage, irregularities in procurement, accusations of corruption and inefficient management of public funds. Furcal invested heavily in digital education to the detriment of preparing for a return to in-person learning despite government sources showing internet access was very limited for public school students.
Diario Libre mentions the lack of planning at the Ministry of Education resulted in major delays in public school teacher hiring, major delays in physical textbook distribution, and in repairs of public schools. The newspaper lists the major irregularities in the school luncheon contracting under the Ministry of Education division of the National School Welfare Institute (Inabie). The entire staff of this center was removed by the Presidency after months of complaints about widespread corruption.
The newspaper also recalls that the Ministry of Education kept students out of the public and private classrooms for a year and seven months, before Health Cabinet coordinator, Vice President Raquel Peña ordered the complete reopening, contrary to the opinion of Minister Furcal. Diario Libre makes the point that when the order came, hundreds of public schools were not physically prepared to resume classes.
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Diario Libre
18 April 2022