Dominican Republic launches school year with transparent backpack security measure

The Dominican Republic's Ministry of Education kicked off the 2026-2027 school year with a ceremony in Barahona, marking the start of classes and the implementation of a new security measure: transparent backpacks. This initiative began at the Federico Henríquez y Carvajal Technological Institute, part of the Regional 01 Education Office, which serves 68,354 students across five educational districts.

Wanda Farrell, the regional director of education, highlighted the new school year as an opportunity to transform students' lives and noted the regional achievements, including national and international awards for students and progress in early literacy, with 95% of three-year-olds in Barahona developing reading skills.

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

Nelson Espinosa, director of the Barahona Educational District 01-03, assured that educational authorities are prepared for the students' return and urged parents to reaffirm their commitment to their children's education. The opening ceremony also featured sign language interpretation, underscoring the Ministry of Education's commitment to inclusion.

A notable aspect of the first day was the widespread adoption of transparent backpacks at the Federico Henríquez y Carvajal Technological Institute. School director Deisy Alejandrina Mesa Espinosa reported that approximately 78% of students arrived with transparent backpacks, a result of parents and guardians heeding the school's call. She explained that the measure is intended to protect students' physical and moral integrity and bolster security within the school, aiming to create a more tranquil environment and facilitate the prevention of dangerous items or prohibited substances, such as knives, stun devices, vapes, and alcohol.

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The transparent backpacks will contribute to generating a greater climate of tranquility and will facilitate surveillance to prevent the entry of dangerous objects or prohibited substances.