Vice President Raquel Peña celebrated a significant milestone in the nation’s education sector on 27 November 2024 when 16,000 students successfully completed the 20th graduation of the English Immersion Program. The Ministry of Higher Education (MESCyT) program is free to students.
“Today is a day of celebration and national pride: 16,000 young people have achieved a goal that represents both an academic achievement and a great personal victory,” Peña declared.
Peña emphasized the critical role of English in key sectors such as tourism, services, and communication. She announced the government’s commitment to doubling the program’s budget in 2025, reflecting the nation’s dedication to fostering bilingualism.
“English has become a crucial tool in key sectors such as tourism, services, and communication, and it is one of the most spoken languages in the world,” Peña stated.
According to the 2024 Education First English Proficiency Index (EF EPI), the Dominican Republic has surpassed the global average in English proficiency, a testament to the nation’s educational advancements.
MESCyT Minister Franklin García Fermín highlighted the ministry’s efforts to expand the English Immersion Program to underserved municipalities in the southwest, including Paraiso, Barahona, Estebania, and Azua. He also mentioned collaborations with international entities to further enhance the program’s reach and impact.
García Fermín noted that over 100,000 English, French, and Portuguese scholarships have been awarded in the past four years, positively impacting the country’s economic and social development.
The director of Foreign Languages at MESCyT, Giseh Cuesta, presented data indicating that 71% of English Immersion program graduates are employed, earning an average monthly salary of RD$49,000.
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Vice President Office
28 November 2024