MINERD introduces “Accessible Basic Dual Professional Technical Pilot Program”

Moca, DR.- The Ministry of Education (MINERD), in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has introduced the “Accessible Basic Dual Professional Technical Pilot Program.” Launched in 2023 as part of the National Model of Inclusive Education, the initiative aims to impact the entire education system. Ancell Scheker, the vice minister of Technical and Pedagogical Affairs, emphasized the government’s commitment to advancing inclusion policies. UNICEF representative Carlos Carrera commended the program as a crucial investment in society’s future.

The pilot project, benefiting 19 children, focuses on Dual Professional Technical Education, contributing to reducing the dropout rate in the Dominican Republic. Positive testimonials highlight improved learning experiences for students. The pilot is implemented in two centers: the Altagracia Iglesias De Lora Educational Center in Santiago De los Caballeros and the Andrés López Cruz Polytechnic in Moca, Espaillat. The initiative addresses accessibility challenges for children and adolescents with disabilities, facilitating their professional training and employment prospects. The Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey 2019 reveals educational disparities for children with motor, auditory, or visual disabilities, emphasizing the need for inclusive education.

The program’s goal is to bridge gaps and provide opportunities for continued education and professional development. UNICEF expressed gratitude to Scotiabank for its financial contribution to the program, considering it a milestone in the country’s history and a step towards inclusive education in the Dominican Republic. UNESCO defines inclusive education as the shared learning experience of all children, with and without disabilities, in the same classrooms at various educational levels, supported by appropriate resources.