Bachelet Announces Consessions, Youth Demand More

From North to South....from the mountains of Valparaiso...



...from mothers marching with their children...







...students experience class struggle education...

...marching in Santiago along side their teachers...







...the government of Michelle Bachelet (SP) was forced to announce last night at midnight through the Secretary General Ricardo Lagos Weber that the government is preparing a bill to modify the anti-education law to put an end to the massive demonstrations that have shaken this Andean nation. The L.O.C.E. (Constitutional Organic Law of Education) was one of the many changes to the Chilean Constitution made by dictator Agusto Pinochet (1973-1989). Some of the changes were not to take place until many years later to continue how he and those who supported him saw their future vision of Chile.

What did the future generations win so far? They forced the government to reverse the L.O.C.E. and put a stop to additional proposals planned.

*Students will continue to receive the free transportation pass for buses and metro.
*To continue free placement exams (done in certain schools) for youth who can't afford it.
*The continuation of public education.
*The formation of a National Education Board that will include a representative of the President plus elected high school students to discuss problems they see in the education system.

Student representatives from 500 high schools across the nation meet today at the high school Liceo Manuel Barros Borgoño to discuss the governemnt's proposal. The students decided that the National Education Board, which is currently proposing only representation from Santiago, to have representation of 50% of the nation's schools, and include along with high school students: teachers, cafeteria workers and university students. This board will see through forming the exact wording of the proposed changes to L.O.C.E.

María Jesús Sanhueza, who spoke in name of the high school students, announced the decision has been written in form of petition signed by the youth and asked that President Michelle Bachelet sign this as an accord between the youth and the government. The youth vowed to continue protests until the president signs.