Alarming reports from students at the Institute Federal de Educação, Ciência, e Tecnologia (IFRJ) in Belford Roxo shed light on the challenges they face due to the suspension of payments for the Programa de Auxílio Permanência (PAP) and transportation assistance. The impact is stark, with at least six students from a single course’s first semester having to halt their studies. One such student, Milleny Vargas, 23, found herself in a difficult position. As a paramedic, she had to leave her job to care for her six-year-old son, leading her to put her nursing studies on hold. When she managed to secure help from relatives to look after her son, she enrolled in the technical administration course at IFRJ, driven by her passion for learning.
Milleny’s hopes of graduating at the year’s end to kickstart her professional journey were shattered when the support she applied for, including the Riocard student pass, failed to materialize. Despite approved benefits, the expected payments never arrived, leaving her unable to afford the daily $24 commute from Nilópolis to Belford Roxo for classes. Despite the kindness of friends who pitched in for her fare, it wasn’t sustainable. The delayed Riocard eventually arrived, but it was too late. Milleny, along with five other classmates, had already missed over 25% of classes and faced academic repercussions. Her dreams were dashed, and the system offered no solutions, pushing her to withdraw from the course.
Another student, Patrícia Bastos, 47, managed to persevere in the face of these challenges but mourned the departure of her peers with untapped potential. Their Riocards arrived belatedly, but crucial financial aid like PAP and transportation support remained elusive. The campus director, Marcio Oliveira, explained the funding delay stemmed from a federal resource release delay, only processed on June 5, still pending distribution to students. Insufficient funding since 2023 has left many students underserved, despite efforts to secure essential resources within limits. Oliveira stressed the 75% attendance requirement for aid eligibility, likening it to a savings fund that necessitates consistent contributions.
The PAP, crucial for student retention, prioritizes attendance, emphasizing its role in supporting students’ educational journeys. As for transport cards, the responsibility lies with Riocard, with the institute solely providing beneficiary lists. Despite inquiries, Riocard offered no response at the time of reporting.
The plight of these students at IFRJ’s Belford Roxo campus underscores a systemic issue threatening educational pursuits. Financial uncertainties not only disrupt individual aspirations but also erode the foundation of academic progress and social mobility. Urgent action is imperative to safeguard students’ right to education and prevent further casualties in the pursuit of knowledge.
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