Thoughts on Paraguayan Educational Reform
While right to “free” primary education is constitutionally guaranteed1, there is no such thing as free education. Even when the costs may seem negligible a priori, for a vast percentage of the population they are far beyond the range. Especially considering that education is not a basic need in a country like Paraguay, where “survival” necessities are not covered and priority is given to more basic needs.
When approaching educational reform, one must consider the forces involved in the education system and the many socio-cultural factors that influence education success. For instance, most children are encouraged not to attend school by their parents and relatives , given the little impact education has had on their own lives. They are instead exhorted to go out on the streets and start working at an early age to ensure subsistence.
Therefore, the utter importance of creating a solid platform, common to all the population regardless of economic status or sociological differences from which education may be approached, arises as the first step in succeeding at implementing an Educational Reform.
Whereas curricular changes and teaching method updating may seem appropriate when speaking about relevant changes in education, only embracing focal points such as nutrition, health and shelter in order to establish an homogeneous basis, might there be chances to even think of profiting from an Educational Reform
