MINERD opens resources center for diversity in San Cristóbal

MINERD opens resources center for diversity in San Cristóbal 
Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo, November 20, 2012

The Ministry of Education (MINERD) opened a resources center for diversity(Centro de Recursos para la Atención a la Diversidad – CAD) in San Cristobal, which will serve students in this province who have special educational needs.

Meanwhile, Ms. Cristina Amiama, Director of Special Education at MINERD, urged those in attendance to continue working to achieve quality education with equity…

In her welcoming remarks, the Director of Regional 04, Ms. Dignora Cabrera Criquet, highlighted the importance for this sector to have an interdisciplinary team of CAD to ensure aninclusive education in schools.

Meanwhile, Ms. Cristina Amiama, Director of Special Education at MINERD, urged those in attendance to continue working to achieve quality education with equity, which removes all barriers that prevent the access, retention, participation and learning of children with special educational needs.

In addition, she highlighted the commitment of the Minister of Education, Josefina Pimentel, which has been demonstrated with the creation of a CAD in each educational region of the country. She also congratulated San Cristobal’s Regional 04, for the work they have done on behalf of the most vulnerable segment of the population.

In her closing remarks, Ms. Eugenia Rodríguez, CAD coordinator, expressed thanksfor the trust that has been placed in her and said that she is very committed to the promotion of inclusive education.

In turn, Kelvin Soto, a blindyoung man and a student of counseling and psychology, sang a songand invited people to be grateful and to not complain about what we have been given. He cited his own case as an example, because, in spite of the limitations imposed by hiscondition, he enjoys life and lives it with joy and optimism.

The blessing was conducted by Father Miguel Ángel Ciaurriz, who called for the school community to treat all people with love and respect and without discrimination.

The event was attended by representatives of the government and the city of San Cristobal, the National Council for Childhood and Adolescence (CONANI), the Foundation for the Development of Women and Children (FUNDEMUNI), the Association of Disabled Persons, the Dominican Teachers Association (ADP), and the College of Psychologists.

Also in attendance were officials of the regional and provincial directorate of the Ministry of Public Health;the Juan Pablo Pina Hospital;the National Police; the Metropolitan Transit Authority (AMET); theLos Nova Neighborhood Association; the National Council on Disability (CONADIS); the Ministry of Women; theSan Cristóbal subsidiaryof the Dominican Rehabilitation Association; and the region’s district directors and school principals.

MINERD officials, authorities of San Cristobal and members of the public, during the ribbon cutting ceremony at the opening of the Centro de Recursos para la Atención a la Diversidad (CAD), in that province.