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Port of Call |
LAST UPDATE January 1, 2008
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| December 5, 2007 |
Guaranao, Venezuela – Global University – Experiencing Latin America’s Revolution from Venezuela |
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| Venezuela is undergoing many changes and development to lift 80 percent of its population out of poverty |
When Peace Boat stopped for two days in the port of Guaranao in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, it was to experience first hand the revolution currently sweeping the nation. Venezuela has been renamed to include the last name of Simon Bolivar, “The Liberator” of Latin America who secured independence from colonial Spain and left a vision of a unified Latin America that lasts to this day. Global University students, who had been studying onboard under the theme of “Changing the World From Latin America,” took this opportunity to investigate further the ways in which the socialist nation is readdressing the stark imbalance between rich and poor. Through offering free education, health care and employment initiatives, President Hugo Chavez is attempting to redistribute wealth and power in the country which has traditionally been monopolized by a small yet powerful financial elite that has left 80 percent of the population in poverty. |
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At the Falcon headquarters of the Social United Party of Venezuela, participants learn how important it is to be involved in the political process |
The day began with a visit to the headquarters of the Falcon branch of the Social United Party of Venezuela (PSUV). Local campaigners emphasized through their lecture to participants how important it was for people to be involved in the political process. Recently, their work was strongly focused on encouraging people to vote in the referendum that was held on December 2 to change the constitution. Despite their hard work, voters rejected the 69 proposed amendments, which would have abolished term limits, by 51 to 49 percent of the votes. According to the campaigners, Venezuelan people are the driving force of change in society and the reformed constitution is necessary for the revolution to continue. They also illustrated how self-governed bodies at the local level allow for local autonomy. Small bodies of 200-300 family units are governed by a single council which is allotted money by the government to develop and sell projects to companies and organizations which then create employment and therefore income for that community. |
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Weighing watermelons is all in a day’s work for farmers who are grateful to Chavez for been given training and the opportunity to carve out a living for themselves |
With this knowledge in mind, the participants went to experience firsthand one of these projects. On the outskirts of Falcon city, a new community-run initiative of an organic watermelon farm was created. It was devised by a group of thirty mostly uneducated and untrained people who were taught basic farming skills and have since successfully cultivated watermelons which they sell at local markets. They have recently expanded to include pumpkin and papaya and also have a plan of making a goat farm to sell goat’s milk. The project provides a livelihood for the people and has been central to lifting them out of poverty. ‘We are happy to work for ourselves and for our community,’ said one farmer. |
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| Takahashi Masaki tells the Venezuelan people to ‘Fight!’ |
The following day, participants visited the radio station (104.1 Une FM) of the University Francisco de Miranda, where a mix of full-time staff and volunteers produce programs that reach the entire Falcon state. The content of the programs is about both current issues in the region as well as events taking place at the university. Both the university and the radio station are unashamedly pro-Chavez, which balances out the content available as, according to them, many other stations are adamantly anti-Chavez. While the participants were at the studio, Global University coordinator Takahashi Masaki was interviewed by the station. His message to those listening was, ‘The revolution and changing society are now proceeding. Fight, and continue to fight and the people can live a better life.’ |
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Jesus Orlando (front right) and his friends are happy to be given a chance to pursue their dreams by attending university free of charge |
The next destination was the Bolivarian University which was created to educate the underprivileged in the state area free of charge. Currently it offers courses in languages, law and information technology, but will soon open a new science department that will offer degrees in chemistry, biology, physics and biotechnology. Jesus Orlando, a third year law student at the university said ‘It has always been my dream to study law – before it was not possible, but now with the Chavez government, it is.’ |
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| These women jumped at the chance to enter university and gain an education that was previously out of their reach |
English and French teacher Pedro Ollarves has been teaching at the university since it opened four years ago. ‘The president likes to give education to people who have been excluded,’ he said. Mr Ollarves also explained how the education system has changed: ‘The career options are now in agreement with social requirements. Now we work according to the needs of the community in order to solve social problems, such as access to clean water, taking care of the homeless and creating safe environments.’ |
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| “Yes, with Chavez” reads this campaign poster which encouraged people to vote to change the constitution |
In a discussion with Julio Vivas, the university’s Director General of National and International Cooperation, participants learnt how important it is for students to participate in the political process. ‘Before, students didn’t vote because the government intended for students not to vote and participate in politics,’ he said. ‘They were not interested in politics, but when Chavez appeared, he woke up and motivated the people, especially the students. Students have power to change the society,’ Mr Vivas added. |
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| With access to free healthcare and education, and a growing job market, these children have a very bright future ahead of them |
One young Global University student commented at the end of the programme that ‘I want to see Venezuela in the future because now they’re trying a new system. When I go back to Japan, I will be watching this country. My image of Venezuela has changed because Chavez is portrayed in the media as scary, but actually he is doing many good things here. I have a different perspective now and that is a very good thing.’ Back onboard, students will discuss their new found knowledge about Venezuela which is much deeper now that they have experienced the country’s revolution for themselves. |
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