Original article: Colegio de Profesores: «En esta catástrofe, el gobierno ha actuado mal y tarde»

Teachers’ Union Criticizes Government’s Response to Climate Emergency as Inadequate and Delayed

The Chilean Teachers’ Union has raised concerns over the management of President José A. Kast regarding the climate emergency impacting the central-northern region of the country. They stated, «While the situation in Atacama and Coquimbo is catastrophic, many other regions face serious operational challenges for schools that have not been properly addressed by the authorities.»

«We have emphasized that schools do not have the conditions to discuss normalcy; many are flooded, have leaking roofs, classrooms where water seeps in, restrooms that do not function adequately, and access is extremely challenging,» said Mario Aguilar, the national president of the teaching union.

«I want to tell the government that it is arriving too late and poorly to address this disaster, at least regarding the school system, which I can comment on more accurately, although I believe this is a widespread issue across various sectors. They are indeed coming too late and poorly,» the union leader highlighted.

According to Aguilar, President Kast’s government «is lagging far behind in making necessary decisions; it is crucial to go into the field and listen to the communities.»

«We have reports of very difficult situations that make it hard to anticipate normal school attendance. First, there is extremely low attendance, and second, the conditions within classrooms and schools are in no way acceptable,» the representative from the Teaching Profession added.

«Listen to the Communities»

The president of the Teachers’ Union urged government officials to «listen to the communities and understand their needs.»

«We have provided information, but I feel there is an issue of excessive centralization in decision-making. It seems everything is being resolved slowly in La Moneda without having complete information. Being in a comfortable and well-heated office at the Government Palace may not accurately reflect what is happening,» Aguilar stated.

Finally, the educator urged the Executive regarding the school system to «listen to the communities and not impose an artificial sense of normalcy.»

«This position subjects our educational communities to serious issues, as teaching in a classroom that is leaking is not acceptable, nor is it appropriate to have a completely flooded courtyard. Therefore, I urge the government to expedite their responses and to listen to the affected communities,» the union leader concluded.