Tag Archives: Chile

According to collegesanduniversitiesinusa, the educational history of Chile is a long and varied one, with the country having undergone numerous changes in its educational policies over the years. Chile’s education system was heavily influenced by the Catholic Church during colonial times, with religious instruction being a key component of schooling. After independence from Spain in 1810, various reforms were implemented to modernize and expand access to education in the country. In 1842, the first public school system was created in Chile, with primary education being made free and compulsory for all children between the ages of 6 and 14. In addition, secondary education was made available to those who could afford it. The government also put into place measures to increase literacy rates among adults through adult education programs. The 1960s saw further expansion of access to education throughout Chile as part of larger social reforms implemented by President Eduardo Frei Montalva’s government. This period saw an expansion of public university enrollment as well as a number of initiatives aimed at improving educational quality for students from all backgrounds. In 1973, General Augusto Pinochet seized power in a military coup and imposed a new educational policy that was largely based on neoliberal principles. This period saw an increased emphasis on market-based reforms such as vouchers for private schools as well as budget cuts for public schools. Additionally, Pinochet’s regime sought to limit freedom of expression within universities by censoring student publications and silencing opposition voices through violence and intimidation tactics. Since democracy was restored in 1990, Chile has seen further reforms aimed at improving access to quality education for all citizens regardless of their economic status or background. The government has invested heavily in education, with resources going towards teacher training, infrastructure development, and curriculum reform. In addition, the government has implemented a number of initiatives to ensure that students from disadvantaged backgrounds are able to access quality education opportunities. These measures have gone a long way towards improving educational outcomes for students throughout Chile and ensuring that all citizens have the opportunity to succeed. In 2009, Chile was led by President Michelle Bachelet of the center-left Coalition of Parties for Democracy (Concertación). Bachelet was the first female president in Chilean history and had come to power in 2006 with a mandate to improve human rights, reduce poverty, and promote economic growth. During her presidency, Bachelet implemented a number of social reforms including free education up to the university level, pension reform, and an overhaul of the tax system. Bachelet’s government also sought to tackle Chile’s long-standing issues of inequality and poverty. This included increasing minimum wages and providing subsidies for low-income families. In addition, her government passed legislation aimed at reducing gender discrimination in the workplace and providing greater protection for workers’ rights. During Bachelet’s presidency (2006–2010), Chile adopted an increasingly independent foreign policy that sought to strengthen ties with Latin American nations while maintaining good relations with the United States. The country also joined a number of international organizations such as Mercosur and Unasur which allowed it to work more closely with other Latin American nations on issues such as trade, security, and human rights. Chile maintained close ties with its neighbor Peru throughout this period, participating in joint military exercises in 2009 that were aimed at deterring terrorism in the region. The country also participated in peacekeeping missions abroad such as those sent to East Timor and Haiti following natural disasters there. In addition, Chile signed a number of free trade agreements with countries including Canada, Mexico, China, Japan, South Korea and India during this period. In 2009 Chile also began negotiations for membership into the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation & Development). These negotiations were successful as Chile became a full member in 2010 becoming only the third Latin American nation to do so after Mexico and Colombia. This membership opened up new opportunities for investment from OECD nations into Chilean industries such as energy production which would help drive economic growth into the future years. Check internetsailors for Chile in 2011.