The Ombudsman has launched a surveillance operation in more than 400 schools nationwide to guarantee the education of Panamanian students. In light of the current educational crisis, the human rights institution seeks to ensure that children and adolescents can exercise their right to education.
The Ombudsman, Eduardo Leblanc González, leads this effort with the intention of gathering information about the quality of education in Panama. The data collected will be submitted to the Ministry of Education for appropriate action.
The first schools inspected in the capital city are the José Dolores Moscote Institute, IPT Don Bosco, and Ernesto T. Lefevre school, where difficulties faced by numerous students can already be seen. According to last year’s figures, 91% of schools have serious deficiencies in infrastructure and basic services, 65% suffer from issues with electricity supply, and there is a shortage of drinking water, teachers, and administrative staff.
The Ombudsman is committed to preparing a detailed report on the deficiencies of the educational system. Meanwhile, hundreds of children continue to see their right to education violated.
