strikes...again

Schools for Argentine students across the country are starting this week, some today. In seven provinces, teachers are on strike over salary and job benefits. This happened last year too. The teachers want between a 20 and 25% pay increase. I don't blame them. They already get paid breadcrumbs and inflation was 25% last year. Striking only makes matters worse though.

See the article:
Herald article


The more time I've spent in Argentina, the more I've become disillusioned with the entire system of education in this country. It is an extremely restrictive system to come through and to work in, for both students and teachers. At many public schools, teachers are nothing more than glorified baby-sitters. They try and police unruly and disrespectful students who are in cramped buildings in a class of average size 30 students. No wonder teachers are on strike. If they have to put up with that. At private schools, there is also a lack of investment in buildings, curriculum, teacher development and training. I get a strong sense that private schools are monopolistic structures and are there to earn lots of money. This results in a lesser quality product (the education) to their clients (students and their families).

It's sad really, Argentina seems to be shooting themselves in the foot when it comes to education, and this is going to come and bite them in the rear end hard in 15-20 years when these students will be of age to be the workers and professionals of this country.