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Portugal students demand better internet and the end of national exams

January 04, 2024

Original Article: https://www.jn.pt/3020805835/alunos-exigem-melhor-internet-e-o-fim-dos-exames-nacionais/

The original article requires translation. 

In front of the Soares dos Reis Art School, students held up posters with impactful messages and shouted, in unison: "The internet, where is it?", "Works yes, cold no" and "More help when purchasing materials". Among the main demands of secondary school students are internet access, staff reinforcement and the end of national exams, in a week dedicated to the fight against “degrading conditions” in public schools.

“When it's raining, the roof feels like it's going to fall on us, because it doesn't have enough resistance to the rain", describes Sofia, a student on the Communication Design course at Escola Artística Soares dos Reis. Another concern, she says, is the “ lack of heating”, leaving students exposed to the cold.

Lia Almeida, from the 11th year, highlights the shortage of employees, stating that "the school has few employees for the number of students it has”. The student also highlights the problems with the internet, “especially in the Design rooms of Communication”, where the internet is necessary to use programs and websites in the course you are attending.

Protesters defend not only improvements in physical conditions, but also a reduction in working hours. "Wednesday is the only day we have the afternoon free", reinforces Maria Moreia, from the Audiovisual course.

Even employees, such as Maria José Castro, “Mizé” to the students, were present at the protest. "I do what I can", reveals the employee who has worked at the school for eight years, but, due to an accident, works on crutches. Maria highlights the need for more staff at the school: "This school is exceptional, but there are not enough staff." “The boys are amazing and that’s what keeps me coming to work eight hours a day,” she adds.

In front of the Soares dos Reis Art School, students held up posters with impactful messages and shouted, in unison: "The internet, where is it?", "Works yes, cold no" and "More help when purchasing materials". Among the main demands of secondary school students are internet access, staff reinforcement and the end of national exams, in a week dedicated to the fight against “degrading conditions” in public schools.

“When it's raining, the roof feels like it's going to fall on us, because it doesn't have enough resistance to the rain", describes Sofia, a student on the Communication Design course at Escola Artística Soares dos Reis. Another concern, she says, is the “ lack of heating”, leaving students exposed to the cold.


Lia Almeida, from the 11th year, highlights the shortage of employees, stating that "the school has few employees for the number of students it has”. The student also highlights the problems with the internet, “especially in the Design rooms of Communication”, where the internet is necessary to use programs and websites in the course you are attending.

Just a free afternoon

Protesters defend not only improvements in physical conditions, but also a reduction in working hours. "Wednesday is the only day we have the afternoon free", reinforces Maria Moreia, from the Audiovisual course.

Even employees, such as Maria José Castro, “Mizé” to the students, were present at the protest. "I do what I can", reveals the employee who has worked at the school for eight years, but, due to an accident, works on crutches. Maria highlights the need for more staff at the school: "This school is exceptional, but there are not enough staff." “The boys are amazing and that’s what keeps me coming to work eight hours a day,” she adds.

Until the end of the week, other demonstrations are planned, called by the "Voice to Students" movement, at Fontes Pereira de Melo secondary schools, in Porto, at Almeida Garrett, in Vila Nova de Gaia and at José Afonso, in Loures (district of Lisbon).

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