Fundraising for a state-of-the-art
Community Learning/Cultural Centre
for the disadvantaged in Peru
a Pauline-Coates Trust Ltd project
The Project
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About
News in Peru: click here to select a category
News in Peru
Introduction
These pages are intended to provide you with current information on Peru. The information is not exhaustive and is included in an attempt to provide you with an overview of contemporary Peru.
You may find it helful to "Select a category" from the "News in Peru" top menu and
then browse the subject headings to get an overview.
(A link to the source is provided should you wish to view further information)
Peru is not a "poor" country; it is rich in both culture and economically; the top 20% of the population earn more than 50% of the country's wealth. Approx. 1/3 of the 60m population live below the poverty line and approx 7m live in extreme poverty.
There are many good recent Government initiatives.For example, in July 2010 a Unified Universal Health-Care System began to be rolled out and a metro system in Lima has been resurrected.
Unfortunately, improving State education is "not high on the agenda".
I say this in the knowledge that improvements have been, and are continueing to be made in State education.
Nevetheless, the proof that the efforts have been in-adequate to-date is simple - some 30% of primary school children from poor backgrounds (the so-called "dis-advantaged") in one of the poorest districts in Lima go to private schools. These are not "expensive private schools", but they are relatively expensive for them; between $/.100 to S/.200 pm. The minimum wage is S/.700 p.m. Furthermore, it is not un-common for teachers to hold down two jobs; their salaries are very low.
This is bound to have an effect on teachers attendance and the quality of their work in schools.
Click to see " World Bank's Independent Evaluation Group (IEG) " (2006)
Click to see " World Bank: Finding Quality Education in Peru: Quality vs. Quantity "(2006)
