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'Escuela en la población / School in a población', Anonymous. (Photo: Martin Melaugh)

This arpillera is part of a series of three big arpilleras, the complete size of a flour sack, each with a specific focus. This particular piece titled: "Escuela en la población / School in a población" depicts dwellers in a shantytown community of Santiago going about their daily routines, engaged in a myriad of family, community and economic activities.

On the left hand side we see a very small school where children are engrossed in their lessons and play activities. Here in this neighbourhood, where life is a daily struggle for the majority, education remains at the heart of the community, highlighting the resilience of families in finding local solutions during the Pinochet dictatorship. Attending classes in these small schools also protected children from being involved in riots or detained for breaking curfew.

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