Venezuela and the Challenges in Education During the Pandemic (Spanish)

Venezuelan schools have been closed since March 16, 2020, when the government confirmed 33 COVID-19 cases in the country. UNESCO reported that 8,989,863 Venezuelan students are affected by school closures: 36.5% attend primary school and 26.5% are in high school. The Ministry of Education responded to the emergency with the program Each Family is a School. Classes were broadcasted on TV and radio, and educational material was distributed online. But the government hasn't published any information on the program's impact. How many institutions have used it, how it serves children's needs and which platforms were the most used are unknown.

The Venezuelan education system has deteriorated since 2015 due to a complex humanitarian emergency. The Living Conditions Survey (Encovi), a national survey conducted by three universities in response to the lack of public data, reported that between 2018 and 2019, severe learning lag tripled among girls and doubled for boys.

Prodavinci asked 13 experts in education policy to address education during the pandemic in Venezuela. They agree that remote learning is the safest way. However, considering the country's education system weaknesses, remote learning could deepen inequalities, expose children and adolescents to possible violations of their rights, and generate tensions in families. Prodavinci identified 9 critical areas and gathered 29 recommendations from specialists.

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