Tension Grips France As Students Protest Staff Shortages, Poor School Facilities

Tens of thousands of students and their supporters have taken to the streets across France to protest deteriorating school facilities, overcrowded classrooms and shortages of teachers and other essential staff.
The protests, which began in the Parisian suburbs last week , have spread to several cities, including Marseille, Strasbourg, Tours and Lille, with demonstrations and blockades reported at more than 1,200 high schools.
In Aubervilliers, north of Paris, 17-year-old Maisa joined other students outside Lycée Le Corbusier to demand improved learning conditions.
Maisa, who hopes to become an English teacher, said students in disadvantaged neighbourhoods were bearing the brunt of t...