Category Archives: Education

The educational policy deficit

Posted on January 14, 2013 by

As the Hugo Chávez era comes to a close in Venezuela, it is time to begin taking stock of his legacy. One of the oft-repeated lines is that Chávez was “good for the poor.” Certainly, poverty statistics – as measured … Continue reading →

Posted in Education | 25 Comments

The majority is coming for … your kids?

Posted on October 22, 2012 by

On the heels of a massive landslide, what does the ruling majority want? Well, none other than do away with private education as we know it. The government published a decree apparently abolishing Parent Associations at all schools – public … Continue reading →

Posted in Education | 15 Comments

Bad education

Posted on September 13, 2012 by

Over at Foreign Policy’s Transitions blog, I talk about the issue nobody wants to discuss. Because we’re all too busy obsessing about grainy videos and envelopes full of cash.

Posted in Education | 16 Comments

Pants on Fire Chronicles (Updated)

Posted on July 21, 2012 by

Chávez’s latest issue ad looks like it’s trying to sell you shoes or sportwear more than like an election spot, so its obviously targeted at the young crowd. It has great production values and a good concept behind it, even … Continue reading →

Posted in Education, Politics, Presidential Election | 31 Comments

How to do innovation wrong

Posted on July 10, 2012 by

Innovation. A very particular word that is now a big part of our daily lives. People usually relate it to scientific discoveries and technological breakthroughs, but now it affects most, if not everything we do: how we comunicate, how we … Continue reading →

Posted in Education, In Other News, Society, Venezuelan Culture | 10 Comments

Reif in his own words

Posted on May 30, 2012 by

CNN en Español has an interview with L. Rafael Reif, the Venezuelan recently elected President of the MIT. Video in this link.

Posted in Education | 4 Comments

Policy Evaluation as Subversive Activity

Posted on May 26, 2012 by

My new piece on that FP Blog takes one more look at that 2006 research into Misión Robinson. I’m totally fascinated by that paper, and only wish I’d seen it much sooner. The contrast between its plodding, sober, evidence-based appraisal … Continue reading →

Posted in Education, Misiones | Tagged | 25 Comments

Annals of Crazy Chavista Boondoggles: Misión Robinson Edition

Posted on May 25, 2012 by

Remember that? If you do, take a moment to pick up your cédula and reflect on the sad fate of Venezuelan adult literacy programs. Because far from the glory years of Acude, research shows Venezuela today has perhaps the most expensive, … Continue reading →

Posted in Education, Misiones | Tagged | 15 Comments

Reif, laptops, and how we spend our education money

Posted on May 21, 2012 by

The Venezuelan government has been spending millions on little laptops for children in public schools. The computers, known as Canaimitas, use open software, come with a Linux-based operating system, and allow the user to browse the Web. But according to … Continue reading →

Posted in Education | 79 Comments

If you want to study abroad, CADIVI gets to pick your major

Posted on April 19, 2012 by

CADIVI (the currency controls administration body) has been subsidizing the travel plans of Venezuelans since its creation more than nine years ago. With no end in sight to its “political” job, the agency keeps finding new ways to make miserable, … Continue reading →

Posted in Education, Society, The Economy | 49 Comments

Our education is down, but kids like Álvaro can lift it up

Posted on March 31, 2012 by

UNICEF just published its annual report on the state of childhood around the globe. Venezuela fails to shine. The huge education gap between the rich and poor puts us in the same league as countries like Benin, Pakistan and Tajikistan. A big … Continue reading →

Posted in Education, Society | 67 Comments

Scorched schools

Posted on March 4, 2012 by

Henrique Capriles Radonski has made education a key element of both his work as Governor of Miranda and his upcoming campaign for President. During an opening of a new school in the town of Cupira, he said: “Every new school … Continue reading →

Posted in Education, Society, Violence | 12 Comments

How the copper is beaten in UCV-Maracay

Posted on March 1, 2012 by

The Amphitheater at UCV-Maracay Gustavo’s post on German university professors’ salaries led to a great comments section debate, including some real gems from some lurkers, such as this one: I’m a professor at the UCV’s Maracay Campus and can attest to at least … Continue reading →

Posted in Education | 30 Comments

Germany likes its college professors, Venezuela not so much

Posted on February 29, 2012 by

A chemistry professor of the University of Marburg, a small german city, thought that his salary of 3.890 euros per month was too low. He went to the Federal Constitutional Court to claim that university professors’ wages are not worth … Continue reading →

Posted in Education, Society | 76 Comments

Sukhois over Petare

Posted on February 3, 2012 by

(A shortened version of this post was published in Foreign Policy’s Democracy Labs blog) “I’m glad you’re here,” says Carmen. “I don’t know if you know this, but a few weeks ago, the guy who delivers the school lunches witnessed … Continue reading →

Posted in Education, Human Rights, Military | 102 Comments