HAVANA (Reinaldo Cosano Alén) – Students who damage school
property will be fined up to the equivalent of 20 percent of an average working
man's monthly salary.
The Ministry of Education adopted the policy in an effort to prevent further
deterioration of school buildings, furnishings and equipment. The fines apply to
primary, secondary and pre-university students.
There is a scale for damage: 48 pesos for breaking a desk, 28 for breaking a
chair, five for scratches on desks and chairs. Other fines and punishment cover
writing on walls, damaging blackboards, breaking doors and windows.
According to the College of Independent Teachers, school vandalism is a
reality nowdays.
"Educational buildings throughout the country show scars indicative of
what might be called 'scenes after the war,'" said one source.
Frank Alain Ortega, who just completed seventh grade in the Rubén
Bravo School in Old Havana, said: "They repaired my school and it looks
beautiful. The fines are so we'll look after it."
Versión
original en español
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