The Samana Group Foundation’s first educational program is in full swing, providing regular English classes to more than 50 children and 20 adults from Monte Rojo and El Valle.
Participation is completely free, and the Foundation also provides all the learning materials required for the classes.
Bridging the English Gap in the Dominican Republic
Although English is a compulsory subject in Dominican schools, the original article states that fewer than 1% of the population is proficient in English.
It also points to a distinct group representing approximately 1% of the population who speak a local Samaná variety of English.
At the same time, the growth of international companies and tourism continues to increase demand for English-language skills.
The Samana Group Foundation therefore sees English education as a practical way to improve access to employment, information, and broader opportunities for the people of Samaná.
English as a Gateway to Global Opportunities
At the center of the Foundation’s mission is the belief that education can create meaningful long-term change.
English was selected as the first educational initiative because of its role in international communication. The article notes that approximately 1.5 billion people worldwide speak English and describes it as a common language of business, politics, and science.
It also cites figures indicating that more than 20% of the world’s books and 61% of websites are available in English.
For the Samaná community, learning the language can therefore provide access not only to communication, but also to a much broader range of knowledge and educational resources.
Current Status of the Program
More than 50 children and 20 adults from Monte Rojo and El Valle were already participating in regular classes at the time of publication.
All essential materials, including books and notebooks, are provided free of charge.
As participation grows, the Foundation’s goal is to bring three permanent teachers into the program and make English education available to more members of the Samaná community.
The long-term objective is simple: equip local residents with skills that can help them participate more fully in an increasingly connected world.