# Venezuela school reopening faces infrastructure and wage way

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/venezuelan-education-sector-crisis
> Updated: 2026-09-10T17:43:38.000Z. Sources: 14. Developments: 2.

As the 2026-2027 school year approaches on September 14, the Venezuelan education sector remains defined by a deepening crisis involving infrastructure safety and teacher compensation.

Education Minister Héctor Rodríguez has announced plans to accommodate 7 million students by opening 5,000 new classrooms and utilizing double shifts. To address damage from the June 24 earthquakes, the government is implementing a rezonification plan to relocate approximately 86,000 students to safer facilities.

However, the Federación Venezolana de Maestros (FVM) has denounced these measures as ‘irresponsible and illegal.’ The union maintains that many schools still lack essential services such as water and electricity and have not received the necessary technical safety inspections following the seismic activity. Citing legal protections regarding teacher rest periods, the FVM has indicated intentions to begin work on September 16.

Economic grievances persist as educators express outrage over the start-of-class bonus of 12.50 bolívares, labeling it insufficient. The situation is further aggravated by regional electricity shortages in areas like Monagas and the ongoing displacement of families from earthquake-affected regions such as La Guaira.

## Claims

- The FVM intends to begin classes on September 16, contrary to the government's September 14 start date. (disputed by 2 sources)
- More than 16,000 families have relocated from Caracas or La Guaira to the interior of the country following the earthquakes. (disputed)
- The Minister of Education aims to reach a total of 7 million enrolled students. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Official reports state 11 schools collapsed and 87 others suffered structural damage due to recent earthquakes. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The Venezuelan Teachers Federation (FVM) claims many schools lack basic services like water, electricity, and sanitation. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The government plans to open 5,000 new classrooms, primarily for preschool and maternal levels. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Over 86,000 students have been relocated to different schools following earthquakes on June 24. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Teachers have denounced a school start bonus of 12.50 bolívares as insufficient. (corroborated by 2 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-10: Venezuela education sector faces crisis over safety and wages

Venezuela faces a contentious school year start as teachers protest low wages and unsafe infrastructure following earthquakes, while the government aims for 7 million students and 5,000 new classrooms.

13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/venezuelan-teachers-demand-better-wages-and-school-inspections

### 2026-09-08: Venezuela education sector faces calendar disputes and high supply costs

As Venezuela prepares for the 2026-2027 school year, unions are protesting calendar changes while families face high costs for school supplies.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/venezuela-education-sector-faces-calendar-disputes-and-high-supply-costs

---
Cite as: Venezuela school reopening faces infrastructure and wage way. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/venezuelan-education-sector-crisis