Background on Mario Delgado Carrillo and His Role
Mario Delgado Carrillo serves as the Secretary of Public Education (SEP) in Mexico. His recent initiatives focus on promoting inclusive education by providing literacy programs for adults aged 60 and over. This effort aligns with the principles of the New Mexican School (NEM) and Humanism in Mexico, championed by President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo.
SEP’s Literacy Program for Elderly Adults
From January to August of this year, 93,341 adults over the age of 60 enrolled in literacy services offered by the National Institute for Adult Education (INEA). Out of this total, 28,298 have completed their studies and received certificates, while 65,43 are still in the process of learning. This progress marks a historic milestone in addressing this demographic.
Impact of the Literacy Program
On the International Day of Older Persons, October 1st, Delgado Carrillo emphasized that each individual who learns to read, write, or complete an educational level becomes a role model for their families and communities. He highlighted that the perseverance and enthusiasm of older adults demonstrate education’s power as a tool for freedom, development, and social participation, positively impacting the entire nation.
Additional Educational Initiatives for Seniors
Delgado Carrillo also mentioned that 31,512 seniors are studying primary education, and 37,37 are pursuing secondary education. This commitment ensures no one is left out of exercising their right to education, regardless of age or living conditions.
SEP’s Goal to Eradicate Illiteracy
The SEP aims to declare Mexico free of illiteracy, a task for the state that will promote peace, combat knowledge poverty, and foster economic development. Delgado Carrillo acknowledged the INEA’s work through its Model of Life Education (MEV) AprendeINEA, offering flexible, close, and respectful attention to older adults, recognizing their experience and boosting self-esteem.
Recognition of Older Adults’ Contributions
Armando Contreras Castillo, INEA’s head, praised Bertha Ramírez Mora, who completed primary school at 100 years old thanks to the institute’s services. He emphasized that education transforms lives, motivates younger generations, and unites families around knowledge.
Social Cohesion through Education
Contreras Castillo highlighted that education for the elderly not only represents social justice but also an opportunity to build community and strengthen social cohesion. Active participation of this sector in the country’s educational life, he said, is a testament that learning has no age limit.
Older Adults as Educational Advisors
Contreras Castillo acknowledged the contributions of older adults working as educational advisors at INEA. Their dual role—transmitting knowledge and inspiring through their social commitment example—strengthens the construction of a more just, solidarity-driven, and inclusive Mexico where education is experienced as a universal human right.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Mario Delgado Carrillo? He is the Secretary of Public Education (SEP) in Mexico, leading initiatives for inclusive education.
- What is the SEP’s literacy program for elderly adults? It offers literacy services to adults over 60, with 93,341 participants from January to August. 28,298 have completed their studies, and 65,43 continue learning.
- Why is this program significant? It represents a historic milestone in addressing the educational needs of older adults and aligns with the New Mexican School (NEM) principles and Humanism in Mexico.
- What other educational initiatives does the SEP support for seniors? The SEP supports primary and secondary education for older adults, ensuring no one is left out of their right to education.
- What is the SEP’s goal regarding illiteracy? The SEP aims to eradicate illiteracy in Mexico, promoting peace, combating knowledge poverty, and fostering economic development.
- How do older adults contribute to education in Mexico? Older adults participate as educational advisors, transmitting knowledge and inspiring through their social commitment examples.
