Argentina is in a serious economic crisis, with more than half of the population plunged into poverty. The prices of school supplies have increased by 502% in the last year, almost double inflation.
A family with two school-age children needs 233,000 pesos (about 200 dollars) to buy a backpack, materials and school clothing if they opt for the cheapest items. Classes should start this Monday in Buenos Aires and seven other provinces, but it is not clear how many schools will operate normally.