Venezuelan Children Feel Impact of Crisis: Inflation, Poor Wages, and Pest-Infested Schools

Bir bakışta

• Valerie Torres is a fourth-grade student considering relocating to Miami with her family.
• Inflation has caused the cost of a candy to increase from half a bolivar to 3 bolivars.
• 75% of Venezuelans have an income of less than $1.90 per day.
• Schools are facing issues such as vermin, mold, dirt, and stagnant water.
• The United Nations’ World Food Programme estimated in 2020 that approximately one-third of Venezuelans were not receiving adequate nutrition and required assistance.

Ayrıntılar

Valerie Torres

Valerie Torres is a fourth-grade student who is cognizant of the current situation. Her family is investing $100 a month for her and her sister to attend a private school, and she is considering joining the 7 million Venezuelans who have departed the country and relocated to Miami.

Inflation and Wages

Inflation has caused the cost of a candy to increase from half a bolivar to 3 bolivars. The crisis began when the price of oil decreased and was exacerbated by governmental oversight. Approximately 75% of Venezuelans have an income of less than $1.90 per day, and the minimum wage is equivalent to $5 per month. Educators have been demonstrating against their meager wages, and a significant number have resigned.

Schools and Nutrition

Schools are facing issues such as vermin, mold, dirt, and stagnant water. Kevin Paredes, a 12-year-old fifth grader, has not yet been exposed to division in school. His family is able to purchase three or four food items at a time. The government provides packages of dry goods to families for a cost of less than half a dollar. The United Nations’ World Food Programme estimated in 2020 that approximately one-third of Venezuelans were not receiving adequate nutrition and required assistance. It was reported that children born during the crisis had experienced stunted growth due to inadequate nutrition.