Teacher Strike

The school year in Honduras runs from February to November. There is about six weeks left in this school year. I am constantly amazed how many days and for how many reasons school is canceled. I don't know how the children learn anything. When school is in session, it is only for half a day and the classes are much larger than we would ever see in the states.

There have been many days in August and September the kids did not go to school for one day at a time because the teachers had not been paid. I can't say that I really blame them. No one wants to work and not get paid. Yesterday, once again, there was no school. Only it was published in the paper that teachers were on strike indefinitely. They have not been paid in months and also they are asking for a raise. This is not just in Santa Ana, this is in the whole country. No one is in school right now. No one.

If kids do not meet the requirements to go on to the next grade, they will be held back. That hurts not only the kids, but families that are trying to find enough money to send their kids to school. If a child is not passed on to the next grade, all money paid for fees and supplies this year is just lost.

I don't have any idea how long this strike might last, or if the government is trying to do anything to resolve this matter. I just pray for a quick end to this mess.