Several higher education institutions submitted a proposal to INAFOCAM to develop a proficiency program for teachers of English in the Dominican Republic, which will increase their communication and language skills. The aim is to improve teachers’ skills, to promote quality education and strengthen classroom language teaching.
During the opening act, Architect Miguel Fiallo Calderón, Rector at UNPHU, said: “Today we gather to mark the beginning of a process of learning, growth and collaboration that will have a positive impact on the education of our students. It is clear to all that teaching English plays a fundamental role in developing skills and opportunities for the future of our young people. The demands of economic and social development, in this new era; characterized by the incessant advance and the universalization of new technologies, admit no delay… This program, which we inaugurated today, not only represents a commitment to excellence in education, but also a testament to their dedication as educators.”.
Meanwhile, Geisha Carpio, dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Education, said, “We firmly believe that comprehensive teacher training is key to ensuring that our future educators are prepared to face the challenges of contemporary education, and this program establishes it.”
Likewise, Dr. Francisco D’ Oleo, Vice Minister of Teacher Accreditation and Certification (MINERD), and Dr. Francisco Ramírez, Director of INAFOCAM offered a few words to those present; while Dr. Rhina Santelises, Director of the School of Languages of APEC University, spoke about the methodology of the program.
The institutions participating in the collaboration agreement are Universidad Nacional Pedro Henríquez Ureña (UNPHU), the National Training Institute for Foreign Language Teachers (INCAPROLE), Universidad Central del Este (UCE), UNAPEC, and the Luis Heredia Bonetti Institute (LHB).
The opening ceremony of the English Proficiency Program was held on October 31, 2023, in the Horacio Álvarez Saviñón Auditorium of UNPHU, and was attended by José Altagracia Hazim Torres, Rector at UCE;. Antón Tejeda, Rector of IES-LHB; Luis Frías, president of the National Institute for Training of Foreign Language Teachers (INCAPROLE).
