Brazil: Most Yanomami Schools Do Not Have Electricity and Operate in an Improvised Location

Another 11 schools in the territory are closed; technical note from MEC indicates 'total precariousness' of conditions

Feb.17.2023 12:52PM

Paulo Saldaña

BRASÍLIA

A technical note from the MEC (Ministry of Education) points to a "scenario of total precariousness" of educational provision in the Yanomami Indigenous Land. Obtained by Folha, the document shows that, of the 26 public schools in the territory, 11 currently have their doors closed. All inactive units are under the responsibility of Roraima's government. Even among open schools, all in the state of Amazonas, infrastructure and teacher training are in very low conditions. Of the 15 in operation, 11 work in inappropriate locations, such as warehouses, ranches, barns or sheds. Only one has a regular water supply and 13 do not even have electricity. Of the 144 teachers linked to the schools in operation, 23 completed only the elementary school level, 75, only high school and only 46 of them have a degree from a higher education institution. Only four teachers are hired civil servants.

The Yanomami people have been experiencing a humanitarian tragedy. The situation is a reflection of the illegal mining that has advanced in the indigenous territory, which has borders with Venezuela and, in Brazil, goes through the municipalities of Roraima and Amazonas.

The education departments of Roraima and Amazonas have stated that they have been fulfilling their obligation of providing education within the Yanomami land. The diagnosis was carried out by Secadi (Department of Continuing Education, Literacy, Diversity and Inclusion) from MEC. The subcabinet was re-instated during the Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) government and covers indigenous education policies.

Differentiated school education for indigenous peoples is based on different principles, such as community organization and interculturality. The MEC document points out that the legislation requires collaborative action from states and municipalities.

https://www1.folha.uol.com.br/internacional/en/brazil/2023/02/most-yanomami-schools-do-not-have-electricity-and-operate-in-an-improvised-location.shtml