THE REPERCUSSIONS OF THE FUNDÃO DAM RUPTURE OVER THE SCHOOL PROVISION TO THE PEASANTS POPULATION

Abstract

This article presents the results of two researches conducted in public schools serving the rural population in the Minas Gerais region affected by the Fundão Dam rupture. The researches aimed to assess the repercussions of the rupture on school provision in 2015 and 2020, identifying the schools attended by rural populations. The research also gathered information on the socioeconomic context of rural communities to understand the indirect repercussions of the collapse on school provision for this population. The theoretical approach of Rural Education served as a reference for the data analysis. The systematized data were presented and discussed with students, teachers, and principals of rural schools. The principals also participated in discussion groups, narrative interviews, and micro-regional and regional seminars.The data revealed a reduction in the number of rural schools and the number of their students. The activities revealed that there was no discussion between educators and public administrators of these schools about the causes and consequences of rural exodus, nor about the repercussions of the Fundão dam collapse on the provision of schooling. It became necessary to discuss the role of school education in rebuilding ways of life in rural regions affected by the Fundão Dam rupture. Rural school education is recognized as a relevant space for mobilizing and training school communities to take a leading role in processes aimed at transformation.