Venezuela Reform: Mission Alma Mater
Venezuela’s President Chavez announced in May a new initiative to increase higher education in his country, "Mission Alma Mater". The first phase of this new program is to contruct 28 national universities in various areas around the country from 2007 to 2012. "There will be 11 new national universities, in addition to 13 regional ones, and 4 new technical institutes," explained Chavez. But the reform doesn't stop at building new universities, Chavez also announced that university staff will receive a pay raise and backpay from the last 15 years and retirement benefits. Additional funds will be allocated to increase scholarships, renovate cafeterias, and to purchase more computers. Furthermore, the university entrance exams will be eliminated and only a highschool diploma will be needed to enter higher education.
