Education as an urban problem

Like any city, Santa Cruz de la Sierra has its problems. Structural, temporary, own and others, tangible and intangible. Education is one of them. The citizen, who travels on foot, in a private vehicle, on public transport, does not feel well treated. Since he leaves his house until he returns, he will have to overcome obstacles of different kinds. Because when traveling and staying in public spaces, many times he lives unpleasant moments, usually due to the attacks he receives, for free and without excuses.

The basic norms of the citizen in society are not understood and therefore not transmitted, assuming that what we are suffering is normal and that it is not surprising, nor does it even appear in doubt.

Considering that the space is only mine is already an outburst. Not perceiving the other as being with rights and belonging to the public space is another mistake. Not understanding that the city is shared and in a good way is another provocative mistake.

The pedestrian in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, to give an example, is so devalued and even ignored that they must run to cross a street or avenue because what awaits them is an imminent and brutal accident due to a bestial and disrespectful driver, who also if he rams him, he flees cowardly because he knows he is responsible for the flagrant crime. You play like you live and you also drive like you live.

Throwing waste out of the windows or simply while walking is a deplorable action, a contemptuous attitude and an excessive action to take it so naturally as if nothing happened. Product of a bad education that is not sanctioned or punished, not even with the disapproving look of the neighbor. Even someone who observes such misbehavior may be subject to aggression from the misfit.

Although the authorities insisted on turning the eastern capital into a street market for decades, the city is not. Rarely was the message transmitted that the common place, the street, is not a place to do whatever I want, quite the contrary, because it is the place for everyone, where education and mutual respect should prevail.

Public spaces, such as squares, parks, sidewalks, and avenues, can be places of leisure, recreation, and sociocultural learning, or be an unhealthy public garbage dump that harasses, makes us sick, or hurts us.

The natural wealth, such as the Piraí River, its vegetation, the wetland and the wildlife that coexists with the city and its surroundings is also run over by rudeness. What is not known, is not valued or loved. The air, the water and the land seem to be currencies to be spent as a tangible use good, when today our natural resources are degraded at an astonishing speed.

Much to learn and much to teach too. It is necessary to re-emphasize the norms of citizenship by refloating the codes of urbanity. To live in society, respect for everything that surrounds us is manifested and does not go out of style.

It is necessary to recognize the city as one’s own and for everyone, rediscover the identity of wanting to belong, care for the future from the present. A city that needs to get rid of its hardships and re-inhabit from its natural beauty. Paint your village and you will paint the world.