Santo Domingo. – In such a competitive world, mastery of foreign languages is a gateway to multiple employment, social and economic opportunities. Thanks to the arrival of the Instituto Cultural Domínico Americano (ICDA) to the Dominican Republic more than seven decades ago, English language teaching is gaining more and more ground.
Under this premise, Dario Lama, president of the Board of Directors of ICDA, said, in the framework of the celebration of the 75th Anniversary of this institution of higher education, that throughout these years it has delivered to the country more than three million Dominicans trained in English and other areas of knowledge.
“Our mark on Dominican society is very deep, the same that has been the result of quality work, of proven dedication and commitment and of a constant process of growth, development and expansion,” emphasized Lama.
The Chairman of the Board of Directors recalled how since its arrival in 1947, through the teaching of English and the culture of the United States, it has transformed the lives of hundreds of citizens, when the country barely had two million inhabitants.
Since its founding, ICDA’s evolution has been constant. In 1980 the Cultural Division was inaugurated, in 1981 the pre-school modality was opened, in 1985 the Educational Counseling Office (ECO) began advising and accompanying Dominicans interested in studying abroad, and in 1986 the Auditorium opened its doors to accommodate the expressions of art and culture.
Growth has not stopped and in 1987 the Colegio Domínico Americano, today known as the Domínico Americano School, was born. In 1995 the new Lincoln Library was inaugurated, which opened its doors not only to students, but also to the entire community. With the transformation of the institution, the way was opened for more training opportunities for the student population, and in 2001 the Executive Branch elevated the institution to the category of university and Universidad Domínico Americano (UNICDA) was born, with an academic offer in undergraduate, graduate and continuing education with a wide range of diplomas and courses.
“As an educational institution we have great challenges and our real great achievement will always be the transformation of the lives of many Dominicans through education,” said Lama, thanking all the administrative and teaching staff for their commitment.
The event included the presentation of the ICDA’s 75th Anniversary documentary, an audiovisual presentation highlighting the institution’s transcendence from its beginnings to the present, combining history with the experiences of graduates and teachers. The occasion was an opportunity to recognize the Embassy of the United States for its immense support and accompaniment during all these years. The organization also recognized the praiseworthy work of Mr. Arthur Valdez, member of the ICDA Board of Directors. Also, the outstanding graduates of the Language School, UNICDA and Domínico Americano School, as well as administrative collaborators were awarded for their years of service.
More about ICDA
Instituto Cultural Domínico Americano was founded in 1947 by a group of Dominicans and North Americans residing in the country, with the purpose of strengthening the bonds of friendship and culture between the United States of America and the Dominican Republic.
Since its foundation, it has been an institution that has always been at the forefront in educational services to the Dominican society, dominating the English language teaching market.
