Perfect Uniforms or Perfect Environment? Puerto Rico’s Public School Dilemma
- ayouthviewpoint
- Oct 17, 2024
- 3 min read
By Cristina Labrador Carballo
photo by Univision
Puerto Rico’s public education system has been facing many issues throughout the years. Despite students’ constant efforts to focus attention on the poor conditions of these schools, little has been done to make a significant change. No matter how many complaints they give, schools have remained the same. Recently, a viral TikTok trend, where students put a text that says “Uniforme completo jóvenes”, which in other words states how the school asks the students to wear their complete uniforms, has gone viral. In these videos, the students capture the deteriorating state of public schools on the island. These videos capture the reality of daily life in schools, exposing issues such as broken facilities, extreme heat, and a lack of resources, all of which negatively affect students' learning experiences. Another important factor is the poor education some of these schools provide to these young people in the island, the lack of teachers willing to teach these students and provide them with proper education is commonly seen in Puerto Rico.
One of the most upsetting aspects of these viral videos is the overwhelming neglect of school facilities. What is mostly seen in these schools is the lack of basic necessities like fans or air conditioning, and considering Puerto Rico’s tropical climate this leaves students to endure unbearable heat in the classrooms. Some students wait months or even years for something as simple as a fan to be installed. In some schools bathrooms, there are no mirrors, sinks are broken, and toilets are often damaged beyond use. The school campuses are frequently dirty, and there is a lack of maintenance. In some instances, the food that is served to students is of poor nutritional quality, and due to these factors, concerns about students' overall well being continue to rise.
The lack of funding for public schools is evident not only in the state of the facilities but also in the inability to provide basic school materials. TikToker Gladielys Jannelle made a video about the viral TikToks, where she discusses what her school was like and emphasized that it's only now that people are starting to recognize an issue that has been ongoing for years. She elaborates on how teachers often ask students to bring their own supplies, such as board markers, cleaning products, and other essentials that the school should be responsible for providing.
photo by Tu Noticia PR
Alongside these difficulties, there is a severe teacher shortage. Certain schools lack qualified teachers, causing a large number of children to fall behind in essential subjects. The teacher shortage is a recurring issue, as many educators leave the profession due to low wages, lack of resources, and poor working conditions. This staffing problem makes it even more difficult for students to receive the quality education they deserve.
While public school students struggle with these concepts, private school students in Puerto Rico experience better conditions. Usually private schools have air conditioners in their classrooms, clean and well functioning facilities, and they also provide better education. Consequently, private schools are mostly attended by upper-class families while the majority of public school students come from low-income families. Those of private schools are introduced to more opportunities and resources.
The viral "Uniforme completo jóvenes" TikTok trend has been used by Puerto Rican students to voice and express the harsh realities they face every day. These videos deserve immediate attention. Students in Puerto Rico will still have to deal with poor learning conditions and a shortage of essential resources unless there are major improvements made. The question remains: When will public school students on the island receive the educational support and necessary facilities they so desperately need?
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