Within the framework of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly and the Future Summit, the governments of the Dominican Republic and Chile, together with multilateral organizations, made an urgent call to increase financing dedicated to the education in Latin America and the Caribbean. This effort seeks to address the alarming gap in the results of learning which has left many children in the region behind, especially after the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Before the coronavirus, 52% of 10-year-old children in Latin America and the Caribbean could not read or understand a story. This figure could increase to 79% if effective recovery measures are not implemented. learning. In this context, UNICEF emphasized the need for a financing innovative that ensures the sufficiency of resources to guarantee a education inclusive, equitable and quality.
Luis Rodolfo Abinader Corona, president of the Dominican nation, declared: “the education is the engine of development and the key to transforming our societies; Therefore, we are determined to make schools the center of the development and public policies, where the future of our nation is forged.
In collaboration with the Dominican Government, UNICEF in the country has implemented the Program National WITH BASEan evidence-based initiative that has shown positive results in improving the learning fundamental in Spanish and mathematics for students from 1st to 3rd grade in vulnerable areas. This approach has shown that it is possible to close the gap of learning with effective investments and solid planning.
To make visible the Dominican Republic improvements significant in the learning with the finding that 50% of the students have achieved acceptable levels in writing after the implementation of the Program Building the Foundation of Learning (WITH BASE), compared to 17% previously.
Invest in education in Latin America it is essential to break the cycle of povertypromote equity and build more just societies. “The experience in the Dominican Republic, when working WITH BASE demonstrates a good example of when a investment efficient and effective in terms of education for the region,” said Mandeep O’Brien, director of the Public Partnerships Division of UNICEF.
Likewise, it was highlighted that “with a student population where 75% do not achieve basic skills in mathematics and 50% in reading, it is essential to act immediately. The education cannot wait: it is time to ensure a better future for all the boys and girls of Latin America and the Caribbean.
The call to action, supported by entities such as UNESCOECLAC, the IDBthe World Bank, CAF and the Varkey Foundation, urge all governments in the region and the international community to adopt the following measures:
- Increase the investment public in educationprioritizing areas with higher returns and students in greater vulnerability.
- Promote sustainable financing strategies, mobilizing resources through progressive fiscal policies and innovative measures such as debt swaps and mixed financing.
- Increase official aid to development destined for the educationencouraging long-term investments in public educational systems.
- Strengthen management and information systems to plan investments and monitor their impact, ensuring that they are sufficient, equitable and transparent.
O’Brien warned: “The education is the basis of developmentpeace and security, but is often ignored. It’s time to act with smart investments and deliver on our promise of education for all boys and girls. “There is no time to waste.”
Presence of DR entities
Amelia Vicini, president of the Board of Directors of the Inicia Foundation, participated in the meeting of the United Nations General Assembly on the contributions of the private sector to improve the educational system in the Latin American Region, representing the country. Education.
“To ensure a education quality requires that the structures that manage our educational systems be focused on offering a quality service, with stable, coherent and consistent management over time,” stated Vicini.
In turn, the representative of UNICEF in the country, Carlos Carrera, who was also present, indicated: “ensure access to a education inclusive and quality is key to the development sustainability and the well-being of future generations. Undoubtedly, investing in education level is crucial to ensure that each boy and girl develops the necessary skills to face the challenges of the future, promote equal opportunities and the economic growth of societies.
