Ok, so I still have to tell you the rest of my cultural exploits in Santiago, but something more important has come up. Remember when I was talking about democracy in Chile and the various student protests, well the situation has escalated a bit. Last Thurdayish, the students took Casa Central, the main administrative building that holds classrooms and a library, amongst other buildings at one of the universities I attend.When I say they "took" the buildings I mean they took control, barricades the doors and windows and are now holed up in them. They are fighting for the democratization of the Chilean education system (specifically at the college level). Tuition has gone up at universities, making a decent education in this high stratified country more expensive. The students are asking for more state funding and a decrease in tuition.
Last I have heard, classes have been canceled indefinitely. This paro (strike/protest) is a part of a nationwide effort and a group of students in each area (supported by the teachers' union) gets together to vote every few days to determine whether or not they will continue the strike. I will have my gingo classes still, as in the ones run by the foreign exchange office, which include my internship and my Spanish/culture class as the office and the students have come to some sort of agreement. This kinda makes me feel like a strike breaker as I still have these classes in Casa Central.
I do wish I could do something to support this students because I completely feel for their cause.
So I wish you the best Chilean friends and students in that your demands are met to help Chile become a more democratic society.
