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2026-09-11 21:18 UTC → 2026-09-12 00:31 UTC ·
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The Venezuelan education sector continues to face significant administrative, economic, and infrastructural challenges as As the 2025-2026 2026-2027 school year approaches on September 14. 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 over 7 million students by opening 5,000 new classrooms and implementing utilizing double shifts. Regarding recent seismic activity, To address damage from the June 24 earthquakes, the government stated that while 900 schools were affected by earthquakes in June, most are undergoing repairs or is implementing a rezonification plan to relocate approximately 86,000 students are being relocated to nearby safer facilities. However, the Federación Venezolana de Maestros (FVM), led by Carmen Teresa Márquez, (FVM) has denounced the state of school infrastructure these measures as precarious, citing a persistent lack of water, electricity, ‘irresponsible and sanitation. illegal.’ The union is demanding maintains that many schools still lack essential services such as water and electricity and have not received the necessary technical inspections to ensure safety inspections following the earthquakes and is calling for seismic activity. Citing legal protections regarding teacher rest periods, the resumption of collective bargaining negotiations. FVM has indicated intentions to begin work on September 16. Economic tensions remain acute. The Ministry issued a grievances persist as educators express outrage over the start-of-class bonus of 12.50 bolívares (approximately 1.5 cents USD), which educators criticized as bolívares, labeling it insufficient. Furthermore, political leaders have warned that high inflation makes The situation is further aggravated by regional electricity shortages in areas like Monagas and the cost ongoing displacement of uniforms and supplies—estimated between $150 and $300 per student—nearly impossible for many families to afford. from earthquake-affected regions such as La Guaira.