The return to the classrooms of millions of Dominican students is one of those days that deserve to be viewed with hope. More than two million students from the public system were called this Monday to begin the 2026-2027 school year, while thousands arrived at their centers with enthusiasm, accompanied by parents and guardians. It is not just about opening schools: each start of classes renews one of the most important bets the country can make, the education of its children and young people.
There are positive signs that should be recognized. Education reported more than 90,000 teachers trained during the summer, the renewal of some 10,000 contracts, more than 1,200 classrooms incorporated, and maintenance work in 1,342 schools. In Zambrana, Sánchez Ramírez, an educational center reported attendance of over 70% from the first day. Added to this is the enthusiasm of young people from initiatives like Agentes al 100, who promote values, student participation, and positive coexistence.
The effort of families also deserves recognition. The movement recorded in businesses in the National District during the hours before the start of classes showed parents looking for notebooks, backpacks, shoes, and uniforms, often making significant adjustments to their budgets. Prices remain a concern, and there are infrastructure and enrollment issues that the authorities must resolve. Celebrating the start of the school year does not mean closing one’s eyes to those difficulties; it means recognizing the progress made and demanding that the effort continue.
Now comes what is truly important: keeping classrooms open, ensuring attendance, making the most of every day on the calendar, and putting learning at the center. The enthusiasm of the first day must turn into discipline throughout the year, with families involved, teachers committed, students motivated, and authorities responding where there are still shortcomings. A country can have many projects, but few are as decisive as ensuring that its children enter a school and leave it with more knowledge, values, and opportunities.
