Ei-iE

Education International’s Go Public! campaign has strengthened trade unions’ capacity for mobilisation in Latin America and contributed to political, organisational, and pedagogical transformation in the region.

These were some of the conclusions of the Third Regional Go Public! Fund Education Conference, held in Brasilia from 17 to 19 September, where organisations affiliated to Education International Latin America (EILA) shared the results achieved on the ground in their countries.

Transformative results

CTERA, CONADU and CEA of Argentina highlighted that the campaign had been implemented in all provinces, creating spaces for political and pedagogical debate and fostering greater unity among trade unions. It is also viewed as a tool for building a fairer society, particularly for young people.

FENAPES and ATES of Uruguay emphasised the use of the United Nations Recommendations on the Teaching Profession as trade union assets, and the inclusion of students and support staff in the education debate.

In Paraguay, UNE-SN and OTEP-A managed to take the campaign to every part of the country, including indigenous communities. They also presented the initiative to the National Congress, expanding its political reach.

ANDE of Costa Rica reported that the campaign has empowered teachers amid divisive rhetoric blaming them for the education crisis, enabling them to influence national policy from a pedagogical perspective.

FECODE of Colombia has linked the campaign to legislative reforms that are increasing investment in education and are using it as a platform to demand effective implementation across the whole country.

In Peru, SUTEP organised over 90 mobilisations in 2024 for education funding, pensions and labour rights, using the campaign as a rallying force.

Panama’s MPU highlighted the role of teachers in defending the pension system and how the campaign has helped boost the union’s organisational capacity.

COPRRUMH and Colpedagogosh of Honduras highlighted the progress made in terms of education funding and the role that the campaign can play in the struggles that still lie ahead.

ANPROTED of the Dominican Republic highlighted the importance of coordinating the campaign with other social actors, given that everyone benefits from the defence of public education.

A global strategy with local impact

EI’s Go Public! campaign manager Angelo Gavrielatos recalled that social gains are achieved through organised struggle, and that the campaign is a vehicle for building alliances with other actors, strengthening membership, and exerting constant political pressure.

Sonia Alesso, president of EILA, emphasised the need to link the campaign to local realities: “A link must be forged between our struggles and the Go Public! campaign.”

A shared vision for public education

The participants’ collective analysis confirmed that the Go Public! campaign has been crucial in:

• Coordinating national campaigns in defence of public education.
• Confronting adverse narratives that undermine the public sector.
• Projecting a shared vision of social justice and the transformation of education.

The campaign is continuing to establish itself as a strategic tool for education unions in Latin America, demonstrating that collective action can bring about real and sustainable change.