Barahona implements transparent backpacks for new school year security

The 2026-2027 school year kicked off in Barahona, Dominican Republic, with a notable security enhancement at the Federico Henríquez y Carvajal Technological Institute: transparent backpacks. This measure, implemented as part of the back-to-school initiative, aims to bolster safety within educational settings.

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the start of the new school year represents a new opportunity to continue transforming the lives of students and their families in Barahona and the rest of the country.

The Regional 01 Education Directorate, based in Barahona, serves 68,354 students across five educational districts. The official opening ceremony for the academic year took place at the Federico Henríquez y Carvajal Technological Institute, commencing at 7:45 AM. The event was attended by educators, administrative staff, civil authorities, and members of the National Police and School Police.

Wanda Farrell, the regional director of Education, described the start of the new school year as a fresh opportunity to continue transforming the lives of students and their families in Barahona and nationwide. She praised the achievements of Regional 01 students, who have earned medals and recognition in national and international competitions. Farrell also noted significant progress in early literacy, reporting that 95% of three-year-olds in Barahona province have developed reading skills.

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95% of three-year-olds in the province of Barahona have developed reading capabilities.

Nelson Espinosa, director of Educational District 01-03 in Barahona, assured that educational authorities are prepared to welcome students and urged parents to reaffirm their commitment to their children's education. The opening ceremony included sign language interpretation by technician Laura Pérez Adams, reflecting the Ministry of Education's commitment to inclusion.

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the educational authorities are prepared to receive the students and urged parents to reaffirm their commitment to the education of their sons and daughters.

At the Federico Henríquez y Carvajal Technological Institute, approximately 78% of students arrived with transparent backpacks, a measure that parents and guardians largely supported. Deisy Alejandrina Mesa Espinosa, the institute's director, explained that the initiative seeks to protect students' physical and moral integrity and enhance security by preventing the entry of dangerous objects or prohibited substances, such as bladed weapons, stun devices, e-cigarettes, or alcohol.

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around 78% of students attended the campus with transparent backpacks, after parents and guardians heeded the call made by the center's management.