The Dominican Republic known as the birthplace of merengue, has made progress in expanding access to education, but significant challenges remain in achieving universal primary enrollment and ensuring equitable quality. Approximately 14% of children of primary school age are unable to attend school, with disparities driven by poverty, rural location, and lack of documentation, particularly among marginalized communities such as those of Haitian descent.¹ The country invests only 1.9% of its GDP in education, one of the lowest rates in Latin America, contributing to systemic underperformance despite high gross enrollment figures.²
At the local level, schools in areas like Santiago face overcrowding, inadequate infrastructure, and insufficient teaching resources, which hinder effective learning. Many schools operate in temporary or poorly maintained facilities without dedicated classrooms, limiting student privacy and instructional quality.³ High repetition rates and low completion levels reflect deeper issues in educational delivery and student support, particularly in rural and low-income regions where access to transportation, learning materials, and parental involvement is limited.
To help meet these needs, HXP Builders will partner with the Gilberto Danubio Caberja Educational Center to construct a classroom for first graders. This classroom will provide a safe, welcoming environment for 6 and 7-year-olds. By reducing overcrowding, the new space will allow local educators to serve more students effectively, improve learning conditions, and support long-term educational sustainability. This project aims to strengthen community education infrastructure and create lasting impact for families in the Dominican Republic.
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² CSA