Venezuela reopens schools in non-earthquake affected states

Venezuelan schools in 18 of the nation's 24 states resumed classes on Monday, July 6, more than a week after powerful earthquakes devastated parts of the country. The magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 tremors, which struck on June 24, have claimed over 3,342 lives and injured at least 16,740 people.

The Ministry of Education has issued guidelines for the academic restart, stipulating that schools in unaffected regions should reopen. However, classes are still suspended in several municipalities across Aragua, Carabobo, Falcón, Miranda, as well as in the capital, Caracas, and La Guaira, the region hardest hit by the seismic activity.

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not to force the restart or continuation of school activities without a proper technical, structural, and pathological evaluation of the buildings.

The Venezuelan Federation of Teachers (FVM) has voiced concerns, demanding safety and infrastructure guarantees before schools reopen in unaffected areas. The organization stressed that the state's response should not be limited to adjusting the school calendar and called for thorough technical and structural evaluations of school buildings. A recent incident where a school building in Caracas partially collapsed, injuring one person and damaging nearby homes, has amplified these safety concerns.

Luisa Pernalete, from the Fe y Alegría Venezuela educational network, indicated that their institutions will focus on socio-emotional support for students, aiming to help them process the trauma of the earthquakes. "It is difficult to make a balance so early, I know that the teachers were preparing to return today," she told EFE. Meanwhile, many affected areas are still clearing debris, with 17,345 people displaced and housed in temporary camps. Authorities report 856 buildings are affected and 190 have collapsed.

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It is difficult to make a balance so early, I know that the teachers were preparing to return today.