Abel Martínez proposes transforming education to boost employment and entrepreneurship in the DR
In a recent meeting titled “A Coffee with Abel,” political leader Abel Martínez proposed a comprehensive strategy to combat poverty in the Dominican Republic. The former mayor of Santiago emphasized that the solution to the country’s economic shortcomings does not lie exclusively in social assistance programs, but in the creation of real opportunities through cutting-edge education and the strengthening of the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Labor market-oriented education
Martínez stressed that the national education system needs a profound modernization. In his view, students must graduate from high school with skills that allow them to immediately integrate into the global economy. Among his key proposals are the mandatory teaching of the English language, proficiency in digital tools, and training in artificial intelligence.
The goal, according to the presidential candidate, is for citizens to be able to access well-paid jobs, even in foreign currency, without the need to leave the country. To achieve this, he proposes the creation of specialized polytechnics in each region of the country, adjusted to the productive needs of their respective areas.
It is not enough to give a person a fish to satisfy their hunger; you must give them the fishing rod so they can provide for themselves and their family every day, without having to beg.
Abel MartínezBoosting local entrepreneurship
Another central axis of his proposal is financial support for entrepreneurs. Martínez questioned the concentration of public resources in large projects and suggested democratizing access to credit for small businesses. According to his vision, this approach would have a multiplier effect on the Dominican economy:
- Direct job creation in neighborhoods.
- Increased consumption in local establishments such as grocery stores and hardware stores.
- Development of permanent skills in young entrepreneurs.
Finally, Martínez insisted that technical training, starting from high school, is fundamental for young people to have the necessary autonomy to start their own businesses or finance their university studies, thus fostering a culture of productivity and self-sufficiency throughout the national territory.
