El Centro y el Paro

I have spent the past few days in the heart of Santiago, and the current student paro, or strike, is unavoidable. As pictured in my previous entry from Antofagasta, schools are locked up across the country since students are demanding more rights. Mainly, students are upset because Chileans have high taxes for schools in comparison with other countries, yet their public school system is not very good. Instead, one must belong to the higher classes to afford better, private schools.

Over the past 2 months, the majority of college (and some lower-level) classes have been cancelled. Professors are still receiving pay, and students are still paying- but neither have been showing up. In turn, there have been rumors that Chileans will fall 1 year behind in school. Whether or not, this will actually happen, I am unsure. However, it is clear that this is a big deal- the news is covered with segments on student rallies, protests, and debates, and the Chilean President Piñera has been put under much pressure.

In order to learn about more about the matter, I visited the campus of University of Chile with a friend who goes there. Upon entry, I was required to turn in my student I.D. so that security knows who is on grounds. It was a Thursday, and several talks were scheduled for the evening- I sat in on one hosted by a group of teachers and the national reforms they are seeking.

Next door, there was a peña, or showcase of guitar folkloric music that featured other students. Many of these songs are politically-charged and reminiscent of the times during which Pinochet ruled Chile under a dictatorship. Just outside, is La Moneda, the Presidential Palace, and an iconic government building where Chilean students are protesting by running around it for hours on end. This is just one of countless efforts being made to provoke change.

Outside Universidad de Chile in Downtown Santiago

"all of society is fighting, all for free education"

About 5 blocks away, lies the Plaza de Armas- bordered with important government buildings and filled with locals playing chess. When strolling around, I found the contrast between the atmosphere here and the University striking, and I couldn't help but chuckle at the juxtaposition.