Teachers in Venezuela struggle to survive on a meager $15 monthly salary, often taking on side jobs or relying on family support. With basic living costs soaring, many educators leave the profession or emigrate. The country faces a severe teacher shortage, prompting government promises of improved conditions. Initiatives like the Solidarity Thrift Store provide some relief, yet the ongoing crisis leaves many teachers unable to afford basic necessities, reflecting a deepening educational and economic crisis.
How can teachers in Venezuela manage to live on a monthly salary of just $15? Many resort to side jobs, depend on their ingenuity, or lean on family support. Unfortunately, a significant number are forced to leave their teaching careers, switch professions, or even emigrate in search of better opportunities.
A basic food basket for a family of four is priced at approximately $500 a month, which is 38 times the average monthly salary of educators. This situation highlights the long-standing issues of underpayment, which have now reached critical levels.
Maria Cerezo, a seasoned educator with 39 years of experience, is now 70 years old. She skillfully manages her family’s finances, which include her income, her daughter’s earnings as a fellow teacher, and her husband’s salary as a lawyer.
‘In the past, we would buy two kilos of tomatoes. Now, we can only afford two small onions and three tomatoes… Our purchases are strictly limited because we have to make every dollar count,’ she shared with AFP.
The Venezuelan education system is grappling with a shortage of around 200,000 teachers, as noted by President Nicolas Maduro. He has urged educators to return to the classroom while promising to enhance their living conditions through various subsidies for transportation, healthcare, food, and mortgage assistance.
With most public schools operating only two to three days a week, teachers often find themselves taking on additional jobs to make ends meet.
Some have opted to offer private lessons at home, while others have completely left the teaching profession. Additionally, many are among the eight million Venezuelans who have emigrated since 2014 in pursuit of a better life.
Supporting Educators: The Solidarity Thrift Store
The next generation of educators is dwindling. A university report indicates that enrollments in teacher training programs have plummeted by nearly 90% from 2008 to 2022.
For now, Maria Cerezo has chosen to stay in Venezuela. She often visits a thrift store established by the teachers’ union to provide support for educators like herself.
A blue nylon dress adorned with white polka dots catches her attention. As she steps into the fitting room to try it on, she considers returning tomorrow, as she currently lacks the $2 needed to purchase it.
‘I plan to come back for a pair of pants,’ says the teacher, who although eligible for retirement, considers herself ‘active’ and ‘strong’ and is determined to continue working.
The Ropero Solidario (Solidarity Wardrobe) run by the Venezuelan Teachers’ Federation is a consignment shop, primarily stocked by teachers who receive 50% of the sale proceeds.
Items are priced between $1 and $4, and the thrift store also provides members with programs to assist in purchasing medications, food, or dealing with health issues.
Reflections on Better Days
‘This crisis has made it impossible for us to buy even spare clothes. How can we expect students to attend school in impeccable condition?’ laments Kethy Mendoza, the store coordinator.
Nicolas Maduro cites American and European sanctions for the low salaries since 2015 and 2017, respectively. However, experts argue that the challenges faced by teachers have persisted long before these sanctions came into effect.
Kethy Mendoza, who is also a teacher, warmly welcomes her colleagues and customers, assisting them with their shopping while providing her insights as if she were a professional sales associate.
Maria Cerezo walks through the store, taking in her surroundings.
‘It’s a dire situation,’ she reflects. ‘In the past, a single paycheck could cover clothing, shoes, and even appliances. Now, that seems like a distant memory.’