Why Venezuelan parents are keeping their children at home

Venezuela is gripped by an ever-deepening economic and political crisis that has triggered almost daily anti-government protests since April. Triple-digit inflation, a high crime rate and clashes between protesters and security forces have affected the lives of many, including schoolchildren. "We're not living in normal times," says former professional football player Andrew Páez, 48, who has decided to keep his two sons at home. Manuel, 12, and Mathias, 10, have not been to school since 19 April. "Our priority at this point is to keep them safe," Mr Páez says. Mathias and Manuel attend La Salle Education Centre, a private school run by the Christian Brothers Catholic religious order in the western town of Mérida. More…