Nearly six out of ten classrooms in Brazil are inadequate, audit finds
Inspections conducted by 32 audit courts in Brazil found that 57 percent of the classrooms are inadequate as a place of study. Over the course of three days—from April 24 to 26—inspectors visited 1,082 state and municipal public schools in 537 cities across all 27 states.
Approximately 200 infrastructure items were considered. Among the main problems were broken windows, fans and furniture; poor lighting and ventilation; leaks; and moldy walls. Cleanliness was also commonly lacking in premises.
“In one particular school, one of the classrooms had a stove and a gas cylinder for preparing meals, and a pressure cooker on top of the stove,” said Cezar Miola, head of the Association of Brazilian Audit Court Members.
Dubbed Operation Education, the initiative was carried out by the association in partnership with the Audit Court of São Paulo State, and declared there was no sewage collection in 31 percent of the schools visited, and no garbage collection in eight percent.
Of the institutions scrutinized, 89 percent failed to produce a certificate attesting compliance with fire prevention measures. The survey also showed that 86 percent of schools had no hydrants, and 44 percent had no fire extinguishers. In 28 percent, extinguishers had expired.
“It’s unacceptable that places with such large circulation of people—mostly children—fail to meet basic safety criteria. We know that books and teachers are not all that’s needed to make a good learning experience. The students’ surroundings are also crucial. How can we expect these kids to retain knowledge under such adverse conditions?” said Sidney Beraldo, chair of the São Paulo Audit Court.
Safety
Auditors also identified that 63 percent of schools had no library; 63 percent did not have a reading room; and 88 percent did not have a laboratory or a computer room. Security-wise, 57 percent of the institutions had no cameras, 45 percent had no surveillance or patrolling, and 87 percent had no panic button or similar device.
The inspectors reported issues at the entrance of the building in 53 percent of the institutions assessed. Of these, 17 percent had one or more walls with openings that allowed outsiders access; eight percent had a vandalized or damaged gate; and ten percent had inadequate gate control.
“These results provide the Audit Courts with support for further inspections, recommendations, and stipulations, in addition to sanctions, as the case may be. As for the required funding, we must remember the amounts not invested in maintenance and development in 2020 and 2021 should be brought in by municipalities and states in 2023,” Cezar Miola stated.
