Extended day attracts private school students

SantoDomingo.- The government’s plan to include more schools in the eight-hour orextended school day has led to a flow of students from private schools topublic schools. This new program, which is being extended to more than 600schools this year, provides pupils with access to three meals a day –breakfast, lunch and afternoon snack.

RuthContreras, principal of the Juan Pablo Duarte high school, says there is excessdemand from students, many coming from private schools. This school will beoffering the extended school day this year.

With470 new schools being added to the Extended School Day Program, an estimated195,387 students will benefit from the School Meals Program (PAE).