Bicentennial in Pandemic Contexts: The Right to Education

Abstract

We need to bring to life a relevant sociopolitical project aimed at achieving healthy, supportive, critical communities filled with well-being. Educators have historically inspired us as a society; it is enough to know the paths walked by Carmen Lyra, Luisa González, Omar Dengo, and so many others in the Costa Rican context, and by hundreds more across our continent. But we cannot leave teachers alone in this inalienable task. Education is a duty of everyone. Therefore, we require ideological, political, and ethical clarity about the work we must contribute to in order to build the world we deserve to live in.

Reality is challenging. Groups of economic and political power are imposing their selfish agenda, dismantling the Social State governed by the rule of law, in which public health and public education are fundamental pillars. The results are evident in the increase in material poverty, social inequality, and the sense of hopelessness that pervades thousands of Costa Rican households. We must confront, propose, mobilize, and dare to take small steps with a clear destination: to make the world habitable, supportive, peaceful, and in harmony with Mother Earth.