Venezuela sets September 14 school start amid seismic damage

Venezuela's Minister of Education, Héctor Rodríguez, has confirmed that the new school year will officially begin on September 14. Teaching staff are scheduled to return on September 9 for pedagogical induction, psychological training, and logistical preparation.

The announcement comes as the country manages the aftermath of recent seismic activity. Out of approximately 27,000 educational institutions, 900 reported minor damage and are undergoing repairs, 87 sustained severe structural damage, and 11 collapsed entirely. To address this, the Ministry is implementing a rezonification plan to relocate affected students and teachers to nearby functional schools, utilizing double shifts where necessary. Additionally, the new academic calendar will mandate seismic risk management drills.

Rodríguez also acknowledged that current teacher salaries are “not sufficient,” though he noted a progressive recovery in earnings. In response, labor unions such as Sinvema Sucre and the Venezuelan Teachers Federation (FVM) have criticized the government, citing inadequate pay, workplace harassment, and the disregard for established vacation periods. To ensure continuity, the Ministry has instructed school directors to allow immediate enrollment for displaced students, even if they lack immediate access to required identification or academic documentation.