Indigenous child shows empty taps in school that has been without water for a month; classes are suspended | Tocantins

Classes are suspended in the Manoel Alves village due to a month-long lack of water

With empty bottles, 150 students and the entire community of the Manoel Alves village, between the municipalities of Goiatins and Itacajá, in the north of the state, protested over the lack of water. Due to the lack of supply, authorities suspended classes in the village.

In total, more than 400 people live in the community. They say they have been without drinking water for a month. “Without water we can’t study properly, because we get thirsty. And here there is no water in the drinking fountain. There’s no water here at the tap, the drinking fountain doesn’t have a tap,” he said,” said student Emili Krahô.

In addition to not being able to prepare food, the lack of water affects hygiene. “This is our bathroom, but there is no water for us to wash our hands,” said another student from the village.

For professor Roberto Krahô, the situation has existed for years, but now it is worse. “That some authorities would listen to our voice and come and resolve it as quickly as possible. As employees, we will continue to fulfill our workload, but for the students, the school will be closed.”

The village chief decided to suspend classes at the indigenous school until the situation is resolved. “Until the water arrives, then the school will not continue. Teachers can rest assured, but if the water appears, classes will resume,” he explained.

In addition to affecting the school, the community is suffering without having the basics. “It’s not just children, the community also needs water, there are a lot of people who need to drink water”, complained Rafaela Krahô.

The State Department of Education (Sedus) confirmed the suspension of classes. The water supply in the villages is the responsibility of the Indigenous Health District (Dsei), which is linked to the Ministry of Health. According to the indigenous people, several complaints have already been made here, but so far no measures have been taken to improve the water supply system. water.

The Dsei reported that it is awaiting feedback from the technical area to send a response on the situation in the Manoel Alves village.