Students protest overheated classrooms

High school students in Guadeloupe are protesting against extreme heat in classrooms and water shortages, with a peaceful blockade and an expression wall held at Yves Leborgne High School in Sainte-Anne on October 6. Despite police efforts to suppress the demonstrations, students continue to push for improvements in their learning environment.

Student describes unbearable conditions

Andrea, a 16-year-old student at Baimbridge High School in Abymes, described classroom temperatures reaching 29°C, with fans often not working. She held a sign saying, "Too young to be heard, old enough to be repressed," and reported that police had used tear gas against students in the previous week. Her father, Bertrand, expressed concern for her safety and supported her demands for better conditions.

School infrastructure fails to cope with heat

Andrea highlighted that her school, renovated in 2015, suffers from poor insulation and overcrowded classrooms with over 30 students. According to Météo-France, Guadeloupe has been experiencing higher-than-average temperatures, with a heat anomaly expected to increase by 1 degree Celsius by early November. This has made learning conditions increasingly difficult for students.

Long-standing issues with school infrastructure

Complaints about the state of school buildings in Guadeloupe are not new. In 2025, teacher unions criticized the lack of a comprehensive policy to adapt schools to climate change. While some insulation work has been done in middle schools, no overall strategy has been implemented to address the rising temperatures in classrooms.

Authorities acknowledge renovation challenges

Gabriele Fioni, head of the regional academic authority of Guadeloupe, said local authorities face a massive renovation project for school buildings. She noted that nearly 70% of youth contributions to a government consultation platform focused on improving school infrastructure. Fioni also mentioned a declining student population, which she sees as an opportunity to create fewer but better-maintained schools.

Water shortages affect schools

Nearly 70% of Guadeloupe's population experiences water cuts, and schools are not exempt. Maéssane, a student, protested that it is unacceptable to lack water at school. A 2023 report by the Court of Auditors found that the water network suffers from leaks averaging 60.4%, with some areas reaching 80% leakage.

Students face power cuts and internet issues

At Jardin d'Essai High School, Theo, a senior in the NSI (Digital and Information Sciences) track, said his school has had no water for a long time and also faces frequent power cuts and internet outages. These issues make it difficult for him to complete his coursework, which relies on electricity and internet access.

Teachers support student demands

Near Theo’s school, students are setting up signs and banners with teacher support. Jonathan, a history and geography teacher, said it is the first time students have come in such numbers to demand change. Delphine, a life and earth sciences teacher, called the situation "unbearable and shameful," noting that police have used tear gas daily since the mobilization began on October 5, leading to injuries and arrests.