Introduction
On Tuesday, Mexico’s Secretary of Public Education, Mario Delgado, announced that by 2026, Mexico will be declared “an analfabetism-free territory.” While this declaration aims to symbolize social progress, the reality of Mexico’s educational system is far more complex and concerning.
Current State of Mexican Education
Recent data from the Secretariat of Public Education (SEP) and the PISA assessment reveal that most secondary students lack essential skills for further advancement. Only a tenth can solve simple geometry problems, and the national average in mathematics and reading remains significantly below international standards.
Although eradicating analfabetism is a crucial first step, the ultimate goal should be to form citizens capable of competing in a digital economy. Unfortunately, Mexico is still far from achieving this objective.
Contrast with Global Trends
According to the Future of Jobs 2024 report by the World Economic Forum, jobs in 2030 will require creativity, critical thinking, resilience, continuous learning, artificial intelligence mastery, and collaborative leadership. Sadly, Mexico’s educational model remains rooted in memorization and exams rather than problem-solving and environmental comprehension.
Educational Deficiencies
Mexican universities receive thousands of students each year with significant learning gaps. These institutions must allocate resources to remedial courses, teaching students what they should have learned previously. Often, these programs only temporarily improve reading comprehension or basic arithmetic skills without enhancing critical reasoning or intellectual curiosity.
Low English Proficiency
Another major obstacle is the low proficiency in English. Recent studies indicate that 79% of secondary students do not speak or understand the language, with private schools also averaging around 73%. In a world where science, technology, and business communicate in English, this deficiency hinders access to technical information, certifications, and well-paying job opportunities.
Limited mastery of a global language not only restricts employment but also hinders Mexico’s ability to integrate into value chains and the knowledge economy.
The Risk of a Superficial Achievement
Delgado’s goal, though well-intentioned, risks becoming a hollow accomplishment. Declaring Mexico “analfabetism-free” does not equate to building an educated society prepared for new challenges. Alfabetization does not guarantee reading comprehension, critical thinking, or adaptation to technological change.
At best, this would be a partial advancement; at worst, a propaganda act concealing the educational crisis’s depth.
Building a Robust Educational Framework
Alfabetization should only be the minimum foundation for a new educational architecture, including creativity, systemic thinking, autonomous learning, digital literacy, leadership, English proficiency, and competency-based assessment.
Teaching students to read is insufficient if they do not learn to understand, question, and create.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the announcement by Mario Delgado? Mexico will be declared “an analfabetism-free territory” by 2026.
- Why is this declaration significant? The Mexican government aims to symbolize social progress by eradicating analfabetism.
- What are the current challenges in Mexico’s education system? Many secondary students lack essential skills, and universities must invest in remedial courses. Additionally, low English proficiency hinders access to technical information and job opportunities.
- What skills should be prioritized in education? Creativity, systemic thinking, autonomous learning, digital literacy, leadership, English proficiency, and competency-based assessment.
