Elephants flying? Dominican Education?

Vice President & Minister of Education Milagros Ortiz Bosch addressed the Interamerican Development Bank on Thursday, seeking annual grants from the Bank to La Republica in the amounts of US $500,000,000. for each of the next 50 years to improve the educational accomplishments of Dominican children; in a manner & level of luxury that the public school teachers, administrators, & Dominican politicians could accept as fair & dignified.

In her closing remarks, Vice President Bosch stated:
"You people don't realize what an impossible task we Dominican educators & statesmen [sic] face. 'Educate' comes from the Latin word "educare" - to lead out, or to think. For 500 years, nobody has been able to educate these people. Thinking has never succeeded in this country. It is easier to teach an elephant how to fly that it is to teach Dominicans how to think."

Every human was born with a brain. Perhaps (?) it's the EDUCATORS who are not teaching properly????? As for my plans, when I spend this winter in DR (Las Galeras), I am hoping to be allowed into the village's classrooms to see and hear with my own eyes and ears what's going on in those classrooms. Education is dear to my heart. Also, I don't believe it costs so much to teach anything, anywhere; it's HOW something is taught - not how much money goes into the pockets of politicians. Controversial, yes; but that's my opinion.

-Mame-

This money will go directly into her bank account, no Dominicans will get any benefit from these grants.

If someone is a professional teacher, someone has to pay the bill and therefore it does cost. For too long, teachers have lived on the edge of poverty and in my opinion, they should be among the highest paid......after all, they are the ones that see you get an education.
You mentioned visiting classrooms. Thought you did not speak or understand the language.

Hi again, Doc! Yes of course the "cost" of education MUST be primarily teachers' wages - and yes, that SHOULD be higher...!
But, I'm concerned about that QUALITY of the TEACHERS' education.
No, sir, I am not fluent in Spanish - I'm only, at this point, "adept" in languages, in the sense of learning via Latin, Greek root words, etc. ( However, I now have a Spanish-learning CD, and do my studying each day!) About wanting to visit classrooms - I have eyes and I have ears and that adaptiveness to language. I'll figure it out - because I BECAUSE I WANT TO! I guess you wouldn't deny anyone that.
Thanks for reply! -Mame-

What money? whose bank account? who mentioned "grants"? Sorry, my comments must have gone right over your head, and your response leaves me saying, "What???" LOL!!! -Mame-

Would not deny anyone.....
Glad to know you are learning Spanish.......it makes life much easier here.....even if you only vacation.
I am very disappointed in the educational system here. You will find most "teachers" have no training and most at best may have graduated from high school. Some can not read or write too well even in their own language.
University level may be even worse. Professors are NOT full time and even the Dean is a part time employee. Have you ever heard of a Dean being only part time?
Be prepared for a shock.
Also, Dominicans are NOT stupid, but many are disadvantaged due to their educational system here.

Do you seriously believe that a country with a political system that is corrupt to the core really wants to see an educated public--give me a break--it's a classic case of conflict of interest--an educated public wouldn't tolerate the political system
what a joke

The grants of $50,000,000 for education mentioned in the Professors post.

“edu" is how they call web sites hosted by schools and academic institutions in the Internet, and "care" is a non-profit organization dedicated to help poor people in 3dr world countries like Florida.

See, it is not so hard to find well-educated Dominicans like myself.