The new initiative includes BRL 3 bi investment over four years to have over 2 mi disabled students enrolled in regular classes by the end of 2026, in addition to improving training for educators.
OECD’s Education at a Glance report shows that, while Brazil invested $4,306 per student in 2020, OECD countries invested an average of $11,560. The figures refer to investments made from elementary school to higher education.
To address the issue, the government has launched a plan dubbed National Commitment for Literate Children, in collaboration with states and municipalities. The main objective is to ensure that all Brazilian kids are literate by the end of the 2nd year of elementary school.
The initiative allocates BRL 4 bi to boost enrollments in full-time basic education by 1 mi in 2023. The goal is to reach 3.2 mi by 2026. “Unequal education hinders meritocracy,” President Lula said.
Among the students’ demands were the continuation of affirmative action, easier access to education for indigenous and transgender people, and the end of the New High School model. Former Uruguayan President Pepe Mujica was also in attendance.