Beyond Oil

Education for Growth, Inclusion and Human Flourishing in Venezuela

May 12, 2026

9am-5pm

Askwith Auditorium, Longfellow Hall

Harvard Graduate School of Education

Register HERE!

Reimagining Venezuela’s future through education-driven growth

Amid Venezuela’s political and economic transition, Beyond Oil spotlights education as a pivotal lever for growth, democratic renewal, and the return of millions of migrants. Drawing on a year-long collaboration between Harvard students, alumni, and practitioners in Venezuela and the United States, the conference will present evidence-based proposals across our priority areas.

Participants will help refine concrete strategies and implementation plans to rebuild an inclusive, high-quality education system capable of supporting a more prosperous and democratic Venezuela.

Organized in collaboration with the Education Lab for Latin America (ELLA) at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, the David Rockefeller Center for Latin American, and the Tinker Foundation

Key Priorities

  • Early Childhood Care and Education

    Rebuilding an integrated early childhood system that combines quality care, early stimulation, parenting support, and nutrition services for the most vulnerable families.

  • Learning Recovery

    Re-engaging out-of-school children and youth and accelerating foundational learning and socio-emotional recovery after years of disruption and crisis.

  • De-politization of Public Education

    Ensuring schools are politically neutral, plural spaces while strengthening the knowledge and skills needed for democratic citizenship.

  • Teacher Talent, Development and Retention

    Rebuilding and professionalizing the teaching profession so Venezuela can attract, support, and retain effective educators for national reconstruction.

  • Education Financing and Innovation

    Designing financing and governance frameworks that use scarce resources efficiently and transparently while fostering innovation and strategic partnerships.

  • Nutrition, health and Well-Being of Educators and Students

    Guaranteeing dignified conditions for teaching and learning by addressing the nutritional, health, and psychosocial needs of students and educators.