Weeks of unrest in Venezuela have claimed dozens of lives and wounded hundreds more. Demonstrations happen almost daily – disrupting the routine of the country and its residents.

CGTN’s Juan Carlos Lamas interviewed a father trying to navigate daily life in a city consumed by unrest.
Follow Juan Carlos Rivas Lamas on Twitter @JuanRivasLamas

Like so many days recently, thousands of Venezuelans have taken to the streets, and schools in Caracas have closed their doors, as a way to keep students safe.

Opposition protesters have taken to the streets of Caracas nearly every day since the beginning of April, and on those days, it’s nearly impossible to get from home to the office or school or store.

Police close off the streets, and shut down public transportation and often use tear gas and rubber bullets, to try to hold back the crowds.  

The government has threatened to send inspectors to schools to make sure they stay open on protest days. No official statistics are available on how many schools are closing their doors, but children and teachers are staying away and classrooms are empty. 

And, with the opposition vowing to continue protesting until there is real change in the country, for many families that means schoolwork will continue to take place at the kitchen table.