Tomas Castanheira, a Brazilian teacher and member of the Socialist Equality Group (SEG), addressed an online meeting co-sponsored by the Educators Rank-and-File Committee (ERFC-US) and the International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE). Castanheira discussed the dire state of education in Brazil, highlighting the deep social inequality exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and exacerbated by the policies of both previous and current governments.
He detailed the digital divide, where millions of students, particularly those from poorer backgrounds, lacked access to the internet and technology needed for remote learning, contributing to significant learning loss. Castanheira criticized the prioritization of profits over education, with funding cuts impacting schools and teachers. The speaker emphasized the erosion of teachers’ living standards, causing financial strain, long hours, and burnout.
Castanheira argued that Brazil’s problems are deeply rooted in capitalism and imperialism, and not just issues of individual politicians. He called for the building of rank-and-file committees to unify educators, students, and workers internationally to fight for socialist policies. Castanheira concluded that only a socialist transformation of society can address the deep social inequality and the educational crisis in Brazil and worldwide.
find the original article here: https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2025/03/19/nvpm-m19.html