Education in socialism

Venezuela has suffered a major decline in educational services. There are no resources, terrible transportation, insecurity, and hunger have turned education in our country into a mess.  

Despite knowing that education is the right of every human being, socialism has turned a blind eye to this sector, it has abandoned the maintenance of our kindergartens, schools, high schools, and universities, everything has deteriorated.

 Most of our educational institutions are in a deplorable state, with classrooms without study tables, bathrooms collapsed due to lack of water, empty libraries with no internet access, spaces without electricity, overgrown patios, dining rooms closed for lack of food and sanitation, fallen walls, doors without locks, leaky ceilings, laboratories without equipment and materials.

 Another aspect is the lack of security, both teachers and students live in anxiety knowing that they can suffer a robbery or other violence in the classroom.

 In addition, when school starts it is a real torment for parents and the students because they know that that they will have to buy new school supplies.  Notebooks, pencils, books, and uniforms do not escape the hyperinflation of our country, a simple notebook can cost from $ 4 to $ 5, which is equivalent to a month’s work. 

 Another problem is the lack of transportation, overpriced automotive parts and the shortage of gasoline has caused major problems with public transportation.  For that reason, many of our students from preschool to university walk and hitchhike long distances to get to class and back home. I admire the enthusiasm and the motivation with which they do it.  They set aside the fear of being accosted along the way. 

In addition, most students and teachers who attend classes are literally starving to death.  Just the effort of attending school requires a physical, emotional, and mental sacrifice.  I know that students who are still struggling with the dream of having better conditions, equipment, instructors, technologies, and resources but In Venezuela, who can you turn to for help? 

 Daniel Moreno

Translator notes:

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