More than $200 is needed to buy a list of supplies
The return to school has become a cause of stress for many parents and representatives in Venezuela, especially because the purchase of school supplies. In a country with a minimum wage of $3.61a Venezuelan requires more than 200 dollars to acquire the list of what their child needs to study, according to the Venezuelan Financial Observatory (OVF).
In NTA They spoke with parents and representatives from the country to find out how they are preparing for their children’s return to school and what the process of purchasing school supplies has been like.
“Only the basics are purchased”
That It was the phrase that was repeated most in the interviewsMany parents admitted to “leaving the school supplies list aside” and buying the basics, such as notebooks, pencils, sharpeners and a bag.
«I didn’t buy the whole list, not even 50% of it. As long as he has a notebook to write in, that’s enough, because, for example, his uniform and backpack from last year are still useful. The whole list is too expensive.»said a mother who admitted that when she went to ask what was on the list of supplies, the total exceeded $300.
A father is in a similar situation, saying: «It is impossible to buy the complete list of school supplies in Venezuela; If the list of supplies is purchased, we will not do the monthly market..
The situation is even more difficult for Those who have more than one child studyingwell “It is unthinkable to buy the complete list of school supplies”.
“I have three children in elementary school, imagine buying three lists; each list costs about $200. I earn a monthly bonus at work of $150, so I buy that in school supplies and what, we don’t eat? It’s impossible and unthinkable to buy the complete set of school supplies.”said a mother from the interior of the country, where she says the list is even more expensive.
«The same uniform as last school year»
Uniforms are not part of the supplies list, but They are also a concern for many parents.During the interviews, at least 80% said that their children will wear the same uniform as last school year.
The high costs of these, they said, make it impossible for them to buy them. Although many assured that «with efforts and sacrifices» They managed to acquire uniforms for their children.
They turn to fairs to buy cheaper school supplies
The interviewees indicated that they appeal to the fairs “to buy certain things at a more affordable price”.
«We have to search and search to be able to buy at good prices. Despite the difficult situation, the education of our children is important; and even with our nails we give them the basics: a notebook to write in and do their homework»said one interviewee.
What does the Venezuelan Financial Observatory say?
He Venezuelan Observatory of Finance (OVF) estimated that the school basket for the start of classes at the initial and primary education levels could cost 10,756 bolivars, equivalent – according to the current rate – to more than 285 dollars.
In a country convulsed by the political crisis and with a difficult economic situation, the return to school for children and young people has become an “Achilles heel” for their parents. However, those interviewed agreed that “The education of their children remains a priority, despite the adversities”.