In an unprecedented move, the newly named Minister of Education Luis Miguel De Camps, visited the Dominican Association of Teachers (ADP) headquarters, on Tuesday, 4 February 2025, and met with the public school teacher union’s National Executive Committee. De Camps appointment is effective 26 February. The current minister, Angel Hernandez was named advisor on education to the President, effective 26 February. De Camps was the Minister of Labor but was replaced by Eddy Olivares, who already has assumed the position.
The purpose of the meeting was to establish ongoing dialogue and communication on key issues affecting the public education system.
According to a statement from the ADP, the meeting was coordinated by the ADP and was aimed to foster collaboration and set the groundwork for future working sessions that would help improve the quality of education in the country.
“We believe in and are committed to dialogue as a fundamental tool to advance the improvement of our education system,” said De Camps. “Collaboration and consensus-building are central to how we plan to manage this sector. We understand that only through mutual understanding and cooperation can we achieve sustainable progress.”
He added, “These are the first steps toward full openness, with a genuine interest in listening and finding solutions for the benefit of Dominican education.”
“We believe in and are committed to dialogue as a fundamental tool to advance the improvement of our education system,” said De Camps. “Collaboration and consensus-building are central to how we plan to manage this sector. We understand that only through mutual understanding and cooperation can we achieve sustainable progress.”
He added, “These are the first steps toward full openness, with a genuine interest in listening and finding solutions for the benefit of Dominican education.”
De Camps acknowledged that there are challenges and differences of opinion on some issues but remained confident that respectful and productive dialogue would lead to tangible results for students, teachers, and the country.
As reported in Diario Libre, Eduardo Hidalgo, president of the ADP, clarified that the union’s role is not to obstruct the Ministry’s agenda but to maintain sincere and respectful dialogue. He also reiterated the ADP’s push to resume discussions on the 13 prioritized points outlined in the agreement between the ADP and the Ministry of Education in July 2023, which have yet to be implemented.
“The ADP is committed to dialogue that can lead to mutually agreed-upon solutions,” Hidalgo said in a statement released by the union.
The meeting was also attended by Rafael Santos, former ADP general secretary and current director of the National Institute of Vocational Training (Infotep), as well as Rafael “Pepe” Abreu, president of the National Confederation of Trade Union Unity (CNUS).
Hidalgo had stated on Monday, 3 February after learning about the nomination of De Camps: “He is not someone from the education field. That party has many highly qualified teachers. Just like in the past, when we criticized the appointment of a minister outside the education sector, we are doing the same this time.”
Read more in Spanish:
Diario Libre
Diario Libre
5 February 2025