School Lunches in Extended Shifts in Veragua, Gaspar Hernández

School Lunches in Extended Shifts in Veragua, Gaspar Hernández
Veragua, Gaspar Hernández, Espaillat, Dominican Republic 1/24/13

Desde School lunches got underway several months ago in two schools of the Veragua, Gaspar Hernández municipality – the Luis C. del Castillo School and the América Urbino Basic School.

The first shift is offered at 7.45 AM until 4.00 PM. Students also have the opportunity to learn a variety of optional skills and can also take the time to reinforce other important courses.

The school lunches consist of a variety of traditional Dominican food provided to public school students free of charge. It is now being offered in two and extended shifts.

The first shift is offered at 7.45 AM until 4.00 PM. Students also have the opportunity to learn a variety of optional skills and can also take the time to reinforce other important courses.

We are speaking with Professor Margarita Mueses, Director of the AméricaUrbino Basic School, who tells us that the entire community of Veragua, students and teachers, are very happy about this plan that the Dominican government has put into place for the school.

Director Mueses called on education authorities to hire the three teachers they still need, including a Math teacher, and more support personnel. She also asked for the completion of the multipurpose room that can be used as a school cafeteria, an activities room and a sports area. She noted that the school will continue providing quality services to the students of this community, one of the poorest in Espaillat.

Professor “Blanquita” said that in the beginning, parents were not sending their children to school on time. However, after several meetings and conversations, the tardiness has nearly ended. In terms of the food being provided by the school, she assured everyone that lunchroom personnel are handling the food with the greatest care, professionalism and hygienic practices.

Jesús Armando Hilario, a student with a motor skills disability, urged all of his peers to go to the school. He said the school has made him feel cared-for,accepted and special because of the excellent treatment he has received from his schoolmates and teachers. He added that this is how all the schools in the country should be, with tasty and healthy meals. “There is only one way forward and that is studying,” said Jesús.

This visit to the school by the local press was a joyful experience for the students and teachers alike. They came into the lunchroom in an orderly fashion for their meals to find a well-organized, clean and healthy atmosphere.