A collective response to the housing crisis
Several education professionals in Barcelona have decided to take a step forward and express their rejection of the problem of evictions, a phenomenon that directly affects their students. Through a jointly signed manifesto, the teachers demand that access to adequate housing be recognized as a fundamental right, inseparable from education.
The impact of evictions on education
Educators warn that evictions not only destabilize homes, but also interfere with the learning process of children and young people. Joan Artigal, one of the teachers involved, has expressed that the situation causes ‘institutional abuse’, since students not only lose a home, but also their social network and their school environment.
A cry for the protection of the rights of minors
The Docents080 collective urges the authorities to apply the regulations that protect children’s rights, prioritizing the well-being of minors in all aspects that affect them. One of the most forceful demands is to stop the use of police force during evictions involving children.
A manifesto that resonates
The document, which quickly garnered over 300 signatures in just a few hours, reflects the concerns of the education sector. Teachers have realized that their silence in the face of this crisis cannot continue, and it is crucial that the educational community speaks openly about these issues in the classroom.
Inequalities and discrimination in access to housing
In their manifesto, the educators also address the need to promote policies that guarantee access to housing without discrimination based on factors such as race or socioeconomic status. The fight against housing racism and segregation is essential to ensure a fairer society.
Improvements in educational resources
Teachers are calling for an investment in resources to address the needs of vulnerable students. It is currently estimated that more than 37,000 students in Barcelona live in precarious conditions, with families often living in substandard housing or sharing spaces in an unhealthy manner.
The profile of the affected families
One of the most worrying aspects is that many of the families forced to abandon their homes are single mothers with children. Approximately 70% of evictions affect minors, who are often relocated to temporary accommodation, far from their schools and communities.
A look towards the future
The current situation requires a deep reflection on housing and educational policies in Barcelona. The union of educators is a significant step towards defending the rights of children, and an opportunity to generate changes that improve their quality of life and their access to education.
