ADP demands improvements in educational centers and payment of incentives days before the start of the school year
A few days before the start of the 2026-2027 school year, hundreds of teachers grouped in the Dominican Association of Teachers (ADP) demonstrated at Independence Park. The teachers’ union raised its voice to demand the payment of pending incentives, the total amount of which exceeds RD$9 billion, and to demand an urgent intervention in the infrastructure of various educational facilities.
In addition to economic demands, educators requested greater agility in the grade review process for those professionals who filed complaints following the recent performance evaluation.
Concerns regarding infrastructure and student capacity
Eduardo Hidalgo, president of the ADP, warned that a significant number of educational centers still do not meet the minimum conditions to receive the student community this Monday, August 24. Among the reported deficiencies are leaks, structural damage to walls, lack of perimeter fences, and critical problems with water supply and sanitary services.
Another point of tension is the deficit of places. According to data handled by the ADP, more than 300,000 primary and secondary students remain outside the system or on waiting lists. This lack of space has generated overcrowding in classrooms, where groups of up to 50 students per teacher are reported, hindering the teaching work.
Despite the terrible conditions, the ADP is calling on all educational centers that have the necessary conditions for the school year to start on Monday.
Eduardo Hidalgo, president of the ADP
Voices of the teaching profession
- Educational quality: Union representatives, such as Israel Vanderhorst, emphasized that the struggle transcends the economic, focusing on guaranteeing quality teaching by reducing the number of students per classroom and appointing assistants at the preschool level.
- Lack of foresight: Leaders like Secundino Bautista criticized that structural problems are an annual constant, pointing out the lack of preventive measures and the supply of necessary materials so that school principals can prepare schools on time.
- Structural situation: Teachers from various sections agreed that the deterioration of the facilities is a direct obstacle to the normal development of teaching.
Given this situation, the ADP urged the Ministry of Education to prioritize the repair of the affected schools and seek quick solutions for the students who have not yet been placed, maintaining its commitment to begin classes on August 24 in all facilities that meet the required standards.
