Teachers’ Association Criticizes Education Budget Cuts: «Impacts Children and Students Negatively»

Original article: Colegio de Profesores por reducción de presupuesto en Educación: «Daña a los niños, niñas, adolescentes y estudiantes»

The president of the Teachers’ Association, Mario Aguilar, expressed his concerns regarding the 1.1% reduction in the education budget mandated by the Kast government, stating it is «very worrying» as its impact «damages children, adolescents, and students.»

Aguilar emphasized that the significant cut in funding for infrastructure alone demonstrates that this reduction is detrimental to most schools in Chile, which already suffer from deteriorating facilities that have not received proper maintenance for a long time. «What is needed is more funding for infrastructure, not less as is currently happening,» he argued.

The union representative also criticized the reduction in tuition-free education, which he labeled a right and a hard-won achievement valued by the Chilean public. He pointed out cuts to essential support programs aimed at preventing dropouts and assisting students who face challenges in their studies.

«In short, we could list many important and significant cuts, as there is no room for budget reductions in education according to us as educators. What we need is an increase in funding,» stressed the union leader.

Aguilar highlighted the severe conditions in some schools, mentioning those without heating, deteriorating roofs that leak, and unsanitary bathrooms. He noted that many schools face significant shortages, and at one point, there was even an attempt to eliminate school meals.

Finally, the national president of the Teachers’ Association remarked that while it may seem significant to reduce the original cut of 3% ordered by the Ministry of Finance, they will continue to raise their voices because, in education, there is no room for budget cuts. «On the contrary, the government should make an effort to address the significant needs that require more resources, such as mental health, coexistence issues, and professional support to improve emotional education, which are receiving reduced budgets,» he concluded.

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