The Ministry of Education Releases Rules for Harmonious Coexistence in Schools

The Ministry of Education Releases Rules for Harmonious Coexistence in Schools
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic 09/23/2013

The Ministry of Education (MINERD) launched the second edition of the Rules of the Dominican Educational System for Harmonious Coexistence in Private and Public Schools and Education Centers, with the goal of fortifying a peaceful culture in society and especially one of peaceful coexistence in public and private education centers.

… rules respond to the mandate of articles 48 and 49 of the Code for the System of Protection of the Inalienable Rights of Children and Adolescents from Law 136-06.

The presentation was headed by Minerva Pérez de Díaz, director of Orientation and Psychology for MINERD, who communicated that said rules respond to the mandate of articles 48 and 49 of the Code for the System of Protection of the Inalienable Rights of Children and Adolescents from Law 136-06.

She also expressed that said law establishes rules for discipline in school and calls for an elaboration of the rules to make the mandate operational, emphasizing the current norms in the code for children and adolescents.

Pérez also indicated that the Article 50 of the afore-mentioned law establishes that the MINERD is responsible of coordinating the administrative mechanisms of school discipline, by means of the Directorate General of Orientation and Psychology.

She emphasized that the MINERD, the National Council on Childhood and Adolescence (CONANI), with the sponsorship of the Ibero-American Childhood Fund, and the help of the Chilean government, initiated its first stage of design; in 2011 the United National Children’s Fund (UNICEF) hired a consultancy to validate the Rules of the Dominican Educational System for Coexistence and Discipline in Private and Public Education Centers.

On the other hand, María Jesús Conde, the country’s UNICEF representative, said that the launching of these rules is a reason for celebration because they contribute to bettering the quality of education that children and adolescents receive at their schools.

Also present at the MINERD’s presentation were Susana Michel, director of the education headquarters of the Institution of Private Education; Alberto Padilla, representing Kirsis Fernández, director of CONANI; Olga Espaillat, representing the Dominican Union of Private Educational Institutes; and Francisca Suero, director of the 15 Regional in Santo Domingo.

Also in attendance were regional directors, representatives of civil institutions and principals. Students from the Republic of Colombia’s Center for Excellence sang the National Anthem while students from the Polytechnic Institute Cardenal Sancha showed their artwork.

Ms. Minerva Pérez de Díaz, director of Orientation and Psychology for MINERD, speaking to participants at the second edition of the Rules of the Dominican Educational System for Harmonious Coexistence in Private and Public Schools and Education Centers.