Puerto Rico and the Pandemic Through the Lens of Students

Énoa Gibson examines the effect of natural disasters and COVID-19 on Puerto Rico's education system from the perspective of students and school officials. Gibson delves into the challenges associated with remote learning for students in Puerto Rico amid the pandemic and presents solutions proposed by citizens. Many students on the island don't have access to an internet connection, that connection is feeble, or they do not have the technology required for online instruction.

Immediately after Hurricane Maria, over 100,000 working-age adults relocated to the mainland U.S. in search of employment. As COVID- 19 spread and in-person learning was suspended, many students have left school or moved to the mainland.

The effects of COVID-19, recent natural disasters, and insufficient resources and support have jeopardized the island's future—its students.