Tough Times:Future of Spanish Youth is Grim

     In recent light of student strikes in Madrid similar to the Wall Street Strikes in America, I wanted to give an update from Spain.  Contrary to the American system where private education is generally stronger than public education (demonstrated by the top universities in America,) in Spain it is the opposite.  If you have to pay for education, you didn't work hard enough/ weren't smart enough to earn it (they prefer their public health care too but that's another story.)  Recently, the government has significantly cut funding for education causing:

• Less scholarships
• Decrease in overall students
• Increased financial burden on remaining students
• Increased class sizes
• Less motivation to go to school/ perform well because 26% unemployment rate (in general) means there is no promise of return on their investment

In this situation, living at home is more tempting than ever.

     The Spanish youth in particular is going through very difficult times.  They are paying for the mistakes of politicians, bankers, and irresponsible borrowers. The brightest/luckiest youngsters find work abroad, meaning that the government's investment is being realized outside their borders to improve foreign economies.

    In order for change to take place, young adults need to accept the situation, and persevere.  They must work for free and gain the experience, do anything to differentiate themselves from their competition.  As if we haven't heard it before, the future is in their hands.