Analysis: Social Programs

The Fundamentals of ALBA: Interview with Executive Secretary Amenothep Zambrano

By Venezuelanalysis.com, Feb 25th 2011

The social movements of ALBA, the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America, play an important role in the regional org

In this interview translated by Venezuelanalysis, activist Nefta Freeman speaks with ALBA Executive Secretary Amenothep Zambrano on ALBA's struggle to end illiteracy, create an alternative currency for trade between ALBA nations, and advance in the consolidation of social justice in the Americas.

Venezuela’s University Education Minister Discusses Controversial University Law

By Zuleika Matamores- Aporrea.org, Marlene Yadira Cordova, Feb 8th 2011

University Education Minister Marlene Yadira Cordova (Aporrea).

There is currently a nationwide debate over the content of the University Law, which Chavez sent back to the National Assembly. The debate includes what universities should be, their role in society, and how to transform the universities into participatory democratic institutions. In this interview, the minister for university education outlines some of her perspectives.

Chavez's Lines #100: "The Sermon on the Cerro"

By Hugo Chavez, Dec 28th 2010

Rains and their disastrous consequences have made their presence intimately felt in the Christmas manger. In every man, woman and child, we can see the face of Joseph, Mary and Jesus. What were Joseph and Mary looking for that night in Bethlehem but a shelter so the one who would bring his beautiful deeds to the world could be born? Are our shelters today not spaces of solidarity and justice where we are seeing the birth of living hope personified in the people?

U.S. Embassy Leak on the Taste of Venezuelan Socialism

By Chris Spannos - ZNet, Dec 21st 2010

While browsing the cables this morning I stumbled upon a cute morsel of information relating to Venezuela and released by WikiLeaks yesterday. The Subject title of the cable is “Making Socialism Easier to Swallow,” and focuses on "Arepera Socialista," the first large-scale chain of restaurants run by the Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela (GBRV).

ALBA and the Promise of Cooperative Development

By Martin Hart-Landsberg - Monthly Review, Dec 13th 2010

The emblem of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Americas, a regional initiative designed to promote new, nonmarket-shaped structu

Existing international economic institutions and relations operate in ways detrimental to third world development. That is why eight Latin American and Caribbean countries—led by Venezuela, Cuba, and Bolivia—are working to build the Bolivarian Alliance for the Americas (ALBA), a regional initiative designed to promote new, nonmarket-shaped structures and patterns of economic cooperation.

Collapse of the Metro or of Civilisation?

By Debate Socialista, Dec 4th 2010

The Caracas Metro is no longer adequate enough as transport for the megalopolis. A range of solutions have been suggested. We think the difficulties of the Metro need to be analysed more profoundly. Let’s confront the problems that we face due to the capitalist crisis with audacious measures that get to the heart of the problems.

Venezuela's Cultural Revolution

By Neil Fisher - The Times, Oct 18th 2010

Simon Bolivar Youth Orchestra with their acclaimed conductor, Gustavo Dudamel

It says a lot about the music scene in Caracas that within minutes of entering Venezuela's newest concert hall, I am already ignoring two world exclusives. Simon Rattle and Gustavo Dudamel, arguably the two most sought-after conductors in the world, are busy at work before my eyes.

'You're part of something bigger' - Venezuela's El Sistema in the USA

By Jeremy Eichler - The Boston Globe, Jul 22nd 2010

Inspired by a Venezuelan music program, two community activists prepare to bring its benefits to Boston kids

Rednecks in Chavezland

By John Little - Opednews.com, Jun 17th 2010

One of the most bizarre features of my time here in Venezuela is the incredibly hypocritical way the redneck Americans who are here with me react to their foreign surroundings. They can’t stop praising almost everything about Venezuela, yet they also condemn almost everything about Venezuela.

The History and Mission of the United Socialist Front of People with Disabilities

By Sam Mcgill, May 19th 2010

On Saturday 10^th of April, Frente Unido Socialista de Personas con Discapacidad (FUSPD – United Socialist Front of People with Disabilities) celebrated its first birthday with a friendly basketball game in Municipio Guacara, Carabobo State. In this interview, FUSPD President Jose Rodriguez explains the history behind FUSPD and its aims.

Conducting a Movement: Charismatic Venezuelan Leads Classical Revolution

By By Jeremy Eichler – Boston Globe, May 1st 2010

On a recent morning in this chaotic, traffic-choked city, a large room is bursting with a children’s orchestra. Gustavo Dudamel has dropped by to observe and offer words of encouragement. But the children have other ideas.

Chavez Fuels the South Bronx

By Lainie Cassel - Upside Down World, Apr 15th 2010

In 2005, during a visit to the South Bronx in New York City, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez made a lofty promise to help active community members cope with local issues. A half-decade and a few million dollars later, Chavez’s promise has become a reality and residents from the community are reaping the benefits.

The Revolution Has Socialized and Advanced Sports in Venezuela

By Eva Golinger - Correo del Orinoco International, Apr 3rd 2010

Venezuelan tennis player Adriana Perez

Women’s participation has increased dramatically in Venezuelan sports during the past decade, as has Venezuela’s success in the international arena. The Bolivarian Revolution has treated sports as an important aspect of advancing human development.

"We are not Anti-American, We are Anti-Imperialism"

By Cindy Sheehan, Mar 8th 2010

Sheehan, mother of a child killed in Iraq, says she went to Venezuela for two reasons; because she was tired of the misinformation about Venezuela, and to be inspired and energized.

The Necessary Cultural Revolution

By Eduardo Parra Istúriz - Aporrea, Jan 12th 2010

It is becoming more and more clear to me that the revolutionary process suffers from the absence of a fundamental factor, a vital key of any people: Consciousness of their cultural identity.