Postcard from... Caracus

Students rise to their feet as a uniformed Venezuelan brigadier-general enters a large classroom at a Caracas military institute and proclaims: “Chavez lives!”

In unison, they reply: “The fight goes on!” before settling at their desks for an hour-long lecture punctuated with references to Venezuela’s late socialist leader Hugo Chavez, who died of cancer last year.

A new academic course in Venezuela, “Studies of the Thoughts of the Supreme Commander Hugo Chavez”, has been set up by the military and already attracted more than 10,000 students. The course, which can form part of a degree or post-graduate studies, traces Chavez’s philosophical roots and analyses his life. This includes his childhood, his years in the military and failed coup attempt, and his political success. One student, Victor Flores, a colonel, said he specially enjoyed personal anecdotes. “You can see the Commander’s simpler, human side,” he said.

Those behind the course insist criticism is encouraged – with the spirit of “rectification” that Chavez preached. Developed last year but expanding this, the course is offered at various state universities, and goes onto the street via free symposiums and events. REUTERS