Venezuelan schools face critical crisis: malnutrition, decay, and mental health concerns

The Venezuelan education system is in a critical state, according to the NGO FundaRedes. A recent national study paints a grim picture, revealing widespread student malnutrition, crumbling school infrastructure, a severe lack of teachers, and a worrying decline in the mental health of children and adolescents.

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The school feeding system does not work.

FundaRedes president Javier Tarazona stated that eight out of ten students in public schools exhibit some form of malnutrition. "The school feeding system does not work," he declared during the report's presentation. The study also points to a significant emotional toll on students, with 56% of those surveyed reporting suicidal thoughts, a situation the organization attributes to the dire social and economic conditions faced by Venezuelan families.

The crisis extends to school facilities, particularly in Táchira state, where FundaRedes found 60% of schools have chronic structural deterioration. Furthermore, 80% lack regular access to potable water, compromising academic activities and sanitation for students and staff. A staggering 74% deficit in teachers is also reported, driven by educators leaving the profession due to low wages.

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There are levels that lead one to have thoughts like that.

Despite some macroeconomic recovery, most Venezuelan households remain in poverty. Tarazona blamed the government for the public education crisis, urging the Ministry of Education and its leadership to resign. "The least they can do is resign along with their group of incapable and corrupt individuals for not responding to the demands of this country," he asserted.

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The least they can do is resign along with their group of incapable and corrupt individuals for not responding to the demands of this country.