Reviews show that Brazilian children have difficulties in reading and math. Education inequality increased during the pandemic.

Every year, Brazil invests U$ 4,661 per student in the public school system. This amount is less than the $ 10,102 that the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries spend on average.

But the difference in values ​​is not just between countries. There is an abyss here within Brazil, with private schools that have a higher cost per student than in public schools.

Result of inequality in investment in education

The result of the low investment is the terrible indexes of Brazilian education in international assessments. The International Student Assessment Program (PISA) points out that Brazilian students do not have a satisfactory command of reading, mathematics and science.

The assessment is promoted by the OECD and assesses 15-year-old students in 79 countries, including Brazil. On the world average, 9% of students are able to differentiate facts from opinions. In Brazil, there are only 2%.

Third Sector Action

To improve the performance of Brazilian students, the Third Sector encourages the presence of students at school and promotes additional training activities after school hours. This is the case of Ramacrisna Institute.

The Technology and Innovation project offers children and teenagers the chance to learn using state-of-the-art materials, such as virtual reality glasses, 3D printer, literacy table and digital whiteboard. Students also have access to educational computer and educational robotics workshops..

According to the vice president of the Ramacrisna Institute, Solange Bottaro, contact with these technologies helps to stimulate student interest. “Inserting public school students into the digital world reduces the huge “gap” between them and those who attend private schools. Difficulty in accessing higher education and the labor market is directly linked to the lack of skills received in elementary education”.

Help us fight inequality in education. Click and learn how to help.

Childhood education

If students who complete the 9th grade have poor academic performance, the same happens with children in the first years of schooling. The Basic Education Assessment System (SAEB), of the Ministry of Education, points out that 4.62% of students in the 2nd year of elementary school are below level 1 – on a scale that goes up to 8 – of knowledge in Portuguese..

SAEB also assesses the performance of schools. And the results indicate that schools located in urban areas have better rates than those in rural areas. Also students from schools in richer regions learn more than those from poorer areas.

“The explanation lies in the lack of access to basic services, such as leisure and quality food, in addition to adequate school supplies, lack of technology and library equipment in schools. Expanding horizons for this audience is vital to building a country with equal opportunities that enable personal and professional growth” highlights Solange .

Through the Ramacrisna Educational Support Center (CAER), children and teenagers participate in after-school workshops and music and sports classes. CAER also provides students with food, school supplies and clothing. To participate in the activities, children need to attend classes in public schools.

Also read: What is the scenario of education in the 2021 pandemic

Take this idea forward! Share this article with a friend