# Venezuelan schools reopen to fear and tents

> After deadly June quakes, La Guaira’s school year began with empty rooms, tarp classrooms and children still processing shock.
- Title: Venezuelan schools reopen to fear and tents · Malay Mail
- Summary: After deadly June quakes, La Guaira’s school year began with empty rooms, tarp classrooms and children still processing shock. Reopening schools after a…
- Keywords: venezuela, la guaira, caracas, earthquake, schools reopening, tented lessons, john paul ii diocesan educational unit, maría herrera, marco antonio espinoza, yanet dominguez, amni nunez, afp
- Source: Malay Mail — https://malaymail.com/news/world/2026/09/16/empty-classrooms-and-tented-lessons-as-quake-hit-venezuelan-schools-reopen/235346
- Published: 2026-09-16T08:39:51+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: venezuela, la guaira, caracas, earthquake, schools reopening, tented lessons, john paul ii diocesan educational unit, maría herrera, marco antonio espinoza, yanet dominguez, amni nunez, afp
## Classrooms sit empty
Schools in La Guaira reopened for the new year, but many parents kept children home, worried more tremors could hit the quake-scarred coast.
## June changed everything
Back-to-back magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 quakes on June 24 killed more than 6,500 people and left hundreds of buildings in rubble.

> powerful back-to-back quakes
## Schools became shelters
Dozens of schools were damaged, while 60 more were turned into shelters for thousands of people left homeless by the disaster.
## Lessons moved under tarps
In some areas, classes are happening outdoors. One teacher used a blackboard circle to help 14 students talk through their emotions.

> They’re still very sensitive.
## Fear keeps families away
John Paul II Diocesan Educational Unit can hold more than 600 students. Just over 300 enrolled, and only seven children showed up.

> Only seven children showed up yesterday.
## Schools promise a slow return
Principal Marco Antonio Espinoza said the reopening will be gradual, with safety and emotional well-being for students and staff at the center.

> gradual and safe
## Parents want proof
Teacher Yanet Dominguez said families keep asking whether the building is safe. She told them repairs were made and children should not be afraid.
## Life has to continue
Amni Nunez sent his two children back, saying they need to learn to live with the new reality after the quakes.

> the world keeps spinning
## Key takeaway

Reopening schools after a disaster takes more than repaired buildings. Families need trust, safety checks and emotional support.