Nearly 18% of border area population faces illiteracy

Santo Domingo.- A recent study by the Ministry of Economy reveals that literacy remains a major challenge in the Dominican Republic’s border provinces—Santiago Rodríguez, Dajabón, Bahoruco, Independencia, Montecristi, Pedernales, and Elías Piña—where 17.7% of the population cannot read or write. This figure exceeds the national average of 11%, with rural areas showing even more severe gaps, reaching illiteracy rates of 28%, compared to 12.8% in urban zones.

The study notes that adults, especially those aged 20 to 55, are the most affected, with illiteracy rates between 12% and 20%. However, there has been progress: from 2010 to 2022, the overall rate of illiteracy in the border region fell from 28.1% to 17.2%, with Pedernales showing the most improvement, reducing its illiterate population by 21.5 percentage points.

Illiteracy in these provinces not only hinders employment opportunities but also limits access to government services and civic participation. Elías Piña and Independencia continue to show the highest illiteracy levels, reflecting deep regional disparities. To close these gaps, the study recommends enhancing education policies, investing in targeted adult literacy programs, and promoting school retention—critical steps to reduce inequality and improve quality of life in the border region.