Living in Peru : your everyday companion

(LIP-jl) -- Peru's teacher's union, SUTEP, blamed the Peruvian government for leaving more than half of a million children without any type of schooling. Union representatives blame the government for not fulfilling its promise to hire more teachers, which he says is directly responsible for leaving thousands of children 'out in the cold.'

"Throughout various regions of the country, more than half of a million children have not received any schooling despite the government's declaration that education is the country's primary necessity," said Luis Muñoz, SUTEP General Secretary.

During an interview with Peru's CPN Radio, Muñoz labeled Peruvian government officials as 'irresponsible' for promising increased funding to hire additional teachers and not following through on their promise.

"The amount that has been set aside for training and hiring new teachers is completely insignificant," affirmed the SUTEP representative.

Meanwhile, Muñoz reaffirmed his organization's position on the upcoming June 14 strike by saying that they will not rest until the Peruvian government fulfills its commitments and responsibilities.

Peru's Education Minister Jose Antonio Chang reiterated that teachers who participate in June 14th strike will receive wage deductions corresponding to missed class time.

"It has always been that way. We have never received any money for days or hours we have not worked," responded Muñoz.