# Venezuela education system crisis and statistics

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/venezuela-education-system-crisis-and-statistics
> Updated: 2026-08-08T01:50:34.000Z. Sources: 16. Developments: 2.

The Venezuelan education system is facing conflicting reports regarding its stability and resources. An NGO study by FundaRedes highlighted a severe crisis, reporting that approximately 80% of public school students suffer from malnutrition and that over 1,000 schools have closed. The study also noted significant teacher shortages, with vacancies affecting 74% of public school positions, and deteriorating infrastructure, including lack of potable water and electricity in many regions.

In contrast, the Minister of Education, Héctor Rodríguez, reported an increase in student enrollment, rising to over 6 million for the 2025-2026 school year. The Ministry also claimed a significant reduction in the teacher deficit through a training plan and noted salary increases for certain educator roles.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-08: Venezuela Education Minister reports school enrollment growth

Venezuela's Education Minister Héctor Rodríguez reported rising school enrollment to over 6 million students and a 45.5% reduction in the specialist teacher deficit for the 2025-2026 school year.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/venezuela-education-minister-reports-school-enrollment-growth

### 2026-08-04: Venezuela education crisis: malnutrition, teacher shortages

Venezuela's education system faces 80% child malnutrition, 56% suicidal thoughts, 74% teacher vacancies, chronic school decay and over 1,000 closures, prompting calls for the education minister's resignation.

11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/venezuela-education-crisis-child-malnutrition-teacher-vacancies-and-suicide-risk-surge

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Cite as: Venezuela education system crisis and statistics. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/venezuela-education-system-crisis-and-statistics