Dominican Republic’s INABIE Prioritizes Student Well-being with Comprehensive Programs
Santo Domingo. The National Institute of Student Welfare (INABIE) in the Dominican Republic is dedicated to reducing school absenteeism and providing social protection for students in the public education system through comprehensive nutrition, health, and supply programs. INABIE Director Adolfo Pérez highlighted the organization’s multifaceted role, stating, “Inabie is more than food and props, it is a system of social protection for students.”
Nutritional Support for Over 1.9 Million Students
INABIE distributes approximately five million meals daily across educational centers. The School Feeding Program (PAE) currently impacts over 1.9 million students, from early childhood through secondary school, in addition to approximately 150,000 beneficiaries of programs like Prepara and Oportunidad 14-24, as well as teaching and administrative staff, across some 7,200 educational centers.
According to Jennifer Polanco, Director of Planning, the PAE represents INABIE’s largest investment, exceeding RD$24 billion annually, with a daily cost of around RD$194 million. The average cost per serving is RD$97, covering both breakfast, and lunch.
Director Pérez clarified that INABIE establishes standard rates for suppliers, eliminating price competition.
Quality Control and Fresh Food Initiatives
INABIE employs trained experts who conduct technical evaluations and ongoing supervision of suppliers throughout the contract period. “What is at stake is the nutrition of our students, which is why monitoring is permanent,” Pérez emphasized.
Polanco noted that providing freshly prepared food helps maintain the quality of meals for students. Currently, 280 educational establishments have integrated kitchens to prepare food on-site, particularly in areas with limited access.
School Supply Distribution Scheduled for May
For the current year, INABIE has allocated over 5,000 million pesos to provide uniforms, backpacks, shoes, and school supplies to all students in the public system. Omar Brito, Director of Student Services, announced that the distribution of school supplies will begin in the first half of May, ensuring all students receive their complete kits before the start of the 2026-2027 school year in August.
Addressing Menstrual Hygiene Needs
INABIE is also focusing on student health, with a pilot program for menstrual hygiene kits targeting girls aged 12 and older in vulnerable areas of Santo Domingo and Monte Plata. This initiative, in collaboration with other entities, has an investment of RD$37 million and aims to reduce school absenteeism related to menstruation by providing essential supplies like sanitary pads.
Ana Zabala, head of the Health Area, highlighted that the health component includes nutrition programs, medical care, lens delivery, dental operations, hearing care, and psychological health services in educational centers, with a total budget of 768 million pesos.
Large-Scale Procurement and Transparency Measures
Director Pérez highlighted that INABIE manages one of the largest public purchasing processes in the country, with 34 active tenders to supply food nationwide and over 2,600 bidders. “It is the largest service contracting process in the State, with an investment of about 60 billion pesos in two years,” he stated.
Alexandra Coronado, legal director, explained that all suppliers must meet stringent legal, technical, and health requirements, along with inspections that include photographic and audiovisual evidence to ensure transparency.
Philips Contreras, Director of Technology, described the implementation of a novel digital system to supervise technical evaluations of suppliers, utilizing geolocation and real-time evidence.
Strengthened Evaluation Mechanisms
INABIE, with a budget of approximately 34,938 million pesos, has implemented a new evaluation tool to strengthen internal control mechanisms and ensure objectivity.
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