Introduction
Mario Delgado Carrillo, the Secretary of Public Education (SEP) in Mexico, led the 12th annual “Marathon for Reading” event on the International Migrants’ Day. The event took place at La Prensa Pemex primary school, located in the Gustavo A. Madero alcaldía.
Recognition of La Prensa Pemex School
Delgado Carrillo acknowledged the La Prensa Pemex school community for opening their doors to children in migration situations. Currently, the school hosts 59 migrant children from Cuba, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Venezuela.
Inclusion and Interculturality in NEM
The Secretary emphasized that, under the New Mexican Education (NEM) model, inclusion and interculturality are essential components of humanist education. He stated that justice, equality, community, and critical thinking are built through collaboration and fraternity.
Call for Action
Delgado Carrillo urged educational communities to safeguard the rights of migrant children, adolescents, and youth. He called for empathy and historical responsibility based on Mexican humanism that promotes peace, respect, and mutual understanding.
He highlighted that this day prompts global governments to ensure the rights of those in transit, addressing forced migration causes like wars, hunger, economic crises, and political instability.
SEP Programs for Migrant Children
Delgado Carrillo outlined several SEP programs supporting educational needs of migrant children:
- Programa Binacional de Educación Migrante (Probem): Mexican teachers provide summer classes in the United States.
- Aula sin Fronteras: Led by @prendeMX, this project brings educational television to shelters.
- “Infancias sin muros por un mundo sin fronteras”: A Canal Once series promoting understanding and empathy.
- Learning Pathways, Manual of Management, and Inclusive Teaching Guide: Developed with UNICEF, these materials are being distributed.
Reading as a Bridge
Delgado Carrillo stressed that reading fosters sensitivities, principles, and community bonds. He shared excerpts from Eduardo Galeano’s “Los emigrantes, ahora” and led a collective reading of Antonio Machado’s “Cantares” with teachers, students, and parents.
La Prensa Pemex primary school accommodates 207 students in morning and afternoon shifts, with 59 being migrant children from various countries.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who led the 12th “Marathon for Reading” event? Mario Delgado Carrillo, the Secretary of Public Education (SEP) in Mexico.
- What is the focus of the New Mexican Education (NEM) model? NEM emphasizes inclusion and interculturality as pillars of humanist education.
- What programs does SEP offer for migrant children? Programs include Probem, Aula sin Fronteras, and various learning materials developed with UNICEF.
- What is the significance of reading in this context? Reading fosters empathy, community bonds, and recognizes the value of all lives.
