Background on Mario Delgado Carrillo and the Significance of His Pledge
Mario Delgado Carrillo, the Secretary of Public Education (SEP) in Mexico, recently announced an ambitious goal to eradicate illiteracy in the country by 2026. This pledge was made during his presentation of the First Report of Government by President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo to the Senate. Delgado Carrillo’s announcement comes amidst growing concerns about educational challenges, including high school dropout rates.
The Current State of Education in Mexico
According to the Educación con Rumbo observatory, nearly 95 students abandon their studies annually. The dropout rate is particularly alarming in upper-level secondary education, where universal scholarships are insufficient to retain adolescents in classrooms. Moreover, recent homicides involving minors in Michoacán and the City of Mexico highlight the issue of forced recruitment by criminal organizations, which predominantly targets girls, boys, and teenagers.
Ongoing Debate in the Senate
During Delgado Carrillo’s presentation, senators from opposition parties—PAN, PRI, and MC—questioned the SEP’s strategies to tackle these pressing issues. Notably, priista Carolina Viggiano criticized the government’s commitment to the most vulnerable, asking, “Where is ‘first the poor’?”
PRI’s Past Efforts and Future Reductions
In response, Delgado Carrillo acknowledged the PRI’s past contributions to adult literacy through the creation of INEA, an institution that has made significant strides in providing literacy education to older adults. However, the PRI’s proposed budget for INEA will be reduced by 10% in 2026, raising concerns about the sustainability of these efforts.
Questions from Opposition Senators
Gina Campuzano (PAN) inquired about the specific plan to reduce dropout rates state-by-state, including timelines, objectives, and accountability measures. She emphasized that while Morena’s slogan of “hugs, not bullets” sounds promising in theory, the reality for many young people involves violence and danger.
Delgado Carrillo’s Response
Delgado Carrillo recognized that education has been a long-standing challenge in Mexico, acknowledging the work of countless teachers over generations. He expressed optimism that, with their dedication, the country would finally be able to raise the white flag against illiteracy by the end of 2026.
Key Questions and Answers
- Question: Answer: Despite progress, challenges remain, including high dropout rates and forced recruitment of minors by criminal organizations.
- Question: Answer: The SEP aims to eradicate illiteracy by 2026, though specific strategies and accountability measures have been questioned by opposition senators.
- Question: Answer: The PRI established INEA, which has made significant strides in adult literacy education.
- Question: Answer: The PRI’s proposed budget for INEA will be reduced by 10% in 2026, raising concerns about the sustainability of literacy efforts.
