"Inequalities in Paraguay require policies that go far beyond school meals."

In the InfoCLACSO of September 18, “What role do public universities play in society?”, Verónica Serafini, from the Center for Analysis and Dissemination of the Paraguayan Economy and member of the CLACSO Steering Committee, spoke with CLACSO.tv.

Regarding the state of higher education in his country, he emphasized that “Paraguayan public universities face significant challenges. On the one hand, they have been expanding into the interior of the country, which is positive. However, given the conditions of secondary education, access remains limited to a privileged group. In Paraguay, there is a gap in secondary education of almost 40 percent. Those who complete it lack the basic skills necessary to enter university. Furthermore, there is the issue of university costs. A university that aspires to excellence requires full-time students, studying both in the morning and afternoon. And in Paraguay, in particular, because the quality of secondary education is low, a minimum tuition fee is required, which is typically only affordable for those taking private courses. Therefore, there are many obstacles preventing universities from becoming a driver of social mobility or reducing inequality.”

Furthermore, he addressed the methods of financing education: “There was a change in the source of funding because the government decided to finance a school feeding program with resources from the Itaipu fund, the dam we share with Brazil, (…) under the promise that the other programs that would be left unfunded would be covered with tax revenue. The problem is that in Paraguay there is a long-standing debate about taxation, which prevents us from collecting more and better revenue. When I say more and better, I mean in terms of tax equity. We still have almost 70 percent of our revenue based on VAT, in a poor country where 70 percent of the population barely earns the minimum wage.”

However, he asserted that this measure “will not reduce inequality. Inequalities require policies that go far beyond school meals. Because, as it is currently designed, for many years it will remain limited only to schools and the poorest children.”

Interviewed by Gustavo Lema.