The first day of the University Entrance Exams (PAU) in Barcelona began without significant incidents, despite the strike called in the education sector and mobility restrictions prior to the papal visit. Teachers from the Joan Miró Institute in Cornellà de Llobregat accompanied their students to the North Campus of the Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC), expressing concern about the potential impact of the mobilization.
The educators, who summoned students earlier than usual, expressed their relief upon seeing that most students arrived on time for the Spanish Language and Literature test. The North Campus filled with young people reviewing notes before the exam.
“"We have participated in all the strikes so far, but this is the first one we decided not to join. It was very difficult to strike today… Besides, half of the teaching staff is on school trips."
One of the teachers, wearing a t-shirt with the slogan 'SOS quality public education', noted that despite the support of most families, students are not always aware of the extent of the mobilizations. She highlighted issues such as heat in classrooms or the reduction of school trips, which directly affect their educational experience.
According to data from the Department of Education, strike participation called from 9:30 AM was 3.55% of the total staff, with information from one-third of the centers called to mobilize.
