Spanish
Santo Domingo.– The main trade union centrals of the country expressed their firm support for the educational reform promoted by the Government via the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology (Mescyt), during a meeting headed by its head, Rafael Santos Badía, in the hall of the National Council of Higher Education, Science and Technology (Conescyt).
In a meeting convened by Minister Santos, in which the incumbent explained the process of educational transformation, the main leaders of the Dominican National Workers' Confederation (CNTD), led by Jacobo Ramos, and the Autonomous Confederation of Classist Trade Unions (CASC), chaired by Gabriel del Río, participated; as well as representatives of the National Confederation of Trade Union Unity (CNUS), on behalf of Rafael “Pepe” Abreu, along with leaders from sectors such as transport, health, construction, free zones, tourism, industry and communication. During his intervention, Santos Badía highlighted that educational transformation constitutes a national priority and a historic opportunity for the country. “We are not talking about an administrative reform, but a profound transformation of the Dominican education system, which prepares our youth for life and for the economy,” he affirmed.We recommend reading:MESCyT proposes that with comprehensive educational transformation, the country is prepared for the year 2036
The minister stated that the central objective is to build an articulated education system, which encompasses from early childhood to higher education, with multiple academic and technical pathways. “We need a model that guarantees quality, relevance, and real opportunities so that each student can develop their potential,” he maintained. Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of the support of organized social sectors, especially the trade union movement. “The reform cannot be done without the participation of social forces. The union movement has a fundamental role, because it represents the workers and families who most depend on a quality public education”, he indicated. Santos Badía also detailed that the proposal contemplates two major phases: a legal reform and a curricular transformation. In that sense, he pointed out that “we must eliminate unnecessary content, strengthen the scientific, technological and technical areas, and incorporate skills such as artificial intelligence, robotics and training for work”. The official insisted that education must adapt to the global changes and the new reality of the labor market. “We are facing a technological revolution that will transform millions of jobs. Only those who are prepared will be able to access better opportunities,” he warned. Likewise, he highlighted the need to make the education system more flexible, allowing for different learning paths. “Not all students have the same abilities or learn at the same pace. Therefore, we must build a flexible, inclusive system focused on vocations,” he added. The minister also made a call for the urgency of the process, considering that the political context could limit future reforms. “This is an opportunity we cannot miss. If it is not driven now, the transformation could be postponed for years”, he expressed.You can also read:MESCyT clarifies “no fusion will occur, but rather the creation of a new Dominican educational system”
Finally, he reiterated his commitment to a participatory and democratic process. “This reform must be the broadest expression of national consensus. We want to listen to all sectors and build together an educational system that responds to the needs of the country”, he concluded.
The meeting reaffirms the Mescyt's commitment to promote an open dialogue with the different social actors, with a view to promoting a comprehensive educational reform that strengthens human development, competitiveness and equity in the Dominican Republic.
