Is Honduras repeating Venezuela’s educational model?

The addition of the book “El Golpe 28-J” (The Coup of July 28), authored by former Honduran President Manuel Zelaya Rosales, to the national education curriculum has ignited a heated discussion in Honduras regarding political impact in the educational sector. This material, which presents Zelaya’s perspective on the coup d’état that occurred on June 28, 2009, was included in the Cátedra Morazánica, a civic education class, purportedly to preserve historical awareness and avert the recurrence of similar incidents. Nonetheless, the production and widespread release of 100,000 copies by the National Printing Office (ENAG) have sparked apprehension among social and educational communities about the potential political slant of the academic program.

The debate is becoming more heated as comparisons are made with the situation in Venezuela, where Hugo Chávez’s Blue Book served as an ideological instrument in educational institutions during the establishment of the Bolivarian project. In Honduras, certain opponents view “El Golpe 28-J” as a comparable effort to instill political views, whereas the government insists that the document is a component of an educational initiative focused on fostering critical learning rooted in factual evidence.

Topics and debate regarding The 28-J Coup

The event known as El Golpe 28-J is depicted as a historical work focusing on the 2009 coup, an incident globally acknowledged as a disruption of constitutional order, which faced censure from various international entities like the Inter-American Court of Human Rights and the United Nations General Assembly. The narrative portrays Zelaya as a victim and a martyr, whereas his adversaries are shown as acting on behalf of external interests. This perspective has faced criticism from groups that view the book as being ideologically charged, suggesting that its inclusion in educational programs might threaten academic freedom and compromise educational impartiality.

Though it was first declared that the book was required reading for all primary and secondary schools, the Education Ministry later explained that it isn’t compulsory and that educational independence will be upheld. This announcement aims to address concerns from educators and guardians who call for schooling to be devoid of political bias and centered on democratic principles and analytical thought. Nevertheless, the decree that appeared in the La Gaceta newspaper and the bulk production of the book maintain the debate about the true extent of this directive.

Public responses and potential political consequences

Guardians, freelance educators, and delegates of non-public educational entities have voiced their opposition to enforcing “El Golpe 28-J,” contending that schooling should stay impartial and that mandating the use of a text with a one-sided perspective might be unconstitutional. It has been highlighted that this action could restrict educational freedom and compel instructors to present a skewed account of contemporary history.

Political analysts suggest that the introduction of this book into the education system could be part of a strategy to prepare the cultural and social ground for major political changes, such as an eventual National Constituent Assembly, similar to what happened in Venezuela in 1999 after the promotion of the Blue Book. This interpretation is based on the idea that control of the historical narrative and the ideological formation of new generations are preliminary steps to consolidating long-term political projects.

The administration, on its side, justifies incorporating “El Golpe 28-J” as an effort toward historical accountability and dedication to truth, stressing the importance of youth understanding the events of the coup and its impacts. From this point of view, learning about history should not be seen as retribution, but as a way to avert the recurrence of comparable events.

Therefore, incorporating “The July 28 Coup” into Honduras’ educational program underscores a significant social and political rift concerning education’s role in shaping citizenship and conveying historical memory. The conflict between educational autonomy and endorsing a state-approved account exemplifies the obstacles Honduras encounters in its efforts towards reconciliation and building democracy.