Bill proposes mandatory teaching of Creole, English, and French in Dominican schools
A new legislative proposal seeks to transform the educational system of the Dominican Republic by proposing the mandatory teaching of three foreign languages: Creole, English, and French. The project, which would cover both public and private educational centers at the primary and secondary levels, has been recently submitted to the Chamber of Deputies.
The initiative was presented by the Modern Revolutionary Party (PRM) deputy, Julio César Beltré, who represents the province of Azua. The main objective of this measure is to strengthen the linguistic competencies of Dominican students, providing them with greater tools for their professional and academic development in a globalized environment.
Reasons behind the initiative
The legislator bases their proposal on the need to strengthen ties with neighboring nations and improve communication capabilities in an island context marked by the proximity to Haiti. According to the project’s recitals, this measure responds to various factors that define the national reality:
- Strengthening historical, commercial, and cultural relations with Haiti.
- Promoting better coexistence and cooperation in border areas.
- Recognition of the strategic importance of the official languages of the Haitian nation, Creole and French.
- Adaptation to the demands of an interconnected world that requires mastery of multiple languages.
The teaching of these languages seeks to expand the capabilities of our population, favoring integral development and harmony in our bilateral and regional relations.
Julio César Beltré, Proposing Deputy.
The legislative process
For this project to become law and its implementation to be mandatory throughout the national territory, it must exhaust the due legislative process within the National Congress. The proposal is designed to be integrated into the official educational curriculum, affecting all school institutions in the country.
If approved, the Ministry of Education would be responsible for coordinating the curricular transition necessary to include these three languages within the Dominican educational system, marking a milestone in the country’s educational policy.
