Panama's Education Crisis: Growing Gap Between Public and Private Schools

Panama's Educational Divide Widens Amidst Teacher Strikes Panama City, Panama – The gap between Panama's public and private school systems is widening, according to a recent report by TVN Noticias. Prolonged teacher strikes have resulted in significant learning loss for students in public schools, impacting their ability to complete crucial requirements for graduation. The situation has sparked concerns among parents and education officials. "The breach between students in the public and private sectors is getting bigger," stated a spokesperson in the TVN Noticias report. "Students in private schools continue their normal course, while those in public schools are the ones affected." The report highlights the mandatory internship and volunteer work requirements for graduation, which many public school students are struggling to fulfill due to lost class time. Elias Gonzalez, Director of Media Professional Education at the Ministry of Education, explained that "in some cases, we've lost almost a trimester of classes." This has created a significant disadvantage for students in the public system. Samuel Torres, a parent, shared his concerns, stating, "It's been quite weak... we know about the strikes, but thankfully, this school has provided complete classes for my child." The Ministry of Education acknowledges the issue and is calling on parents to ensure that their children return to school, emphasizing that classes are resuming and there is no ongoing danger. While the situation remains challenging, the focus is on supporting students and bridging the educational gap.