Authorities Pledge Action for Students Studying by Bonfires Amid Classroom Shortage

Students in Potrero Naranjo are braving the elements, receiving lessons outdoors and using bonfires to stay warm, as a severe classroom shortage grips the community. The dramatic situation came to light after media reports revealed the harsh conditions faced by pupils and teachers at the Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe School and the Potrero Naranjo National College.

Authorities from the San Pedro Governorate have now promised an urgent intervention. A visit by departmental officials is scheduled for Monday to assess the crisis and implement immediate solutions. Liz Rodi, from the Governorate's Education Secretariat, voiced concern over the current school conditions and assured that efforts would be made to address the emergency.

The crisis stems from the closure of several school pavilions by the Ministry of Education due to the risk of collapse. Since then, classes have been held in the open air. To combat the cold, students themselves gather firewood to maintain bonfires while they study. The educational community has been petitioning for new classrooms for over three years without success, resorting to fundraising for basic school needs.

Families are now hoping the Governorate's commitment translates into concrete actions, ending the prolonged period of inadequate educational facilities.

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We will seek a way out of this emergency.