Introduction
Education is a powerful tool in the fight against poverty, backed by evidence and proven to break the intergenerational cycle of poverty and foster social mobility. Short-term, ideologically driven policy decisions, however, can undermine these gains and leave future generations vulnerable.
The Importance of Long-Term Educational Policies
For education to effectively combat poverty, it requires long-term public policies grounded in evidence and not subject to the whims of short-term political calculations. A prime example is the destruction of successful educational programs without viable alternatives, which disproportionately affects the most vulnerable.
A Case Study: The Decline of Prospera
Prospera, formerly known as Pronasol, Progresa, and Oportunidades, was a successful program that positively impacted education, health, and poverty reduction for over two decades. It supported nearly seven million low-income households, increasing their average income by around 30% and encouraging school attendance and human capital development.
The Impact of Policy Changes
When Prospera was replaced by the Benito Juárez Scholarships (BBJ) in 2019, the relaxation of conditions and cessation of school attendance monitoring significantly altered the geographical distribution of support. The poorest communities, which Prospera prioritized, were most affected. In the poorest households, transfer amounts were reduced to less than half of what they previously received.
Consequences of Policy Changes
- Lower School Enrollment in Poverty-Stricken Areas: School enrollment dropped by 20-27% in the poorest regions, particularly at the preparatoria (high school) level.
- Increased Informal Employment Among Youth: For 15- to 17-year-olds, the switch from Prospera to BBJ led to a 12% decrease in school enrollment and an 8% increase in informal employment, mainly in construction.
- Long-Term Wage Gap:
The argument that “ninis” (youth not in education, employment, or training) did not increase is misleading. In reality, young people who should have been completing high school left education prematurely for informal jobs. The wage gap between those who finish high school and those who don’t only becomes apparent after age 35, indicating deep and lasting damage.
Lessons Learned
These findings confirm that short-term policy decisions cannot replace long-term, evidence-based strategies. Sudden elimination or rollback of well-structured educational programs can erase years of progress in just a few years, leaving the most vulnerable without protection as governments change direction without proper planning or technical justification.
Key Questions and Answers
- Is education a handout or an investment? Education is a long-term investment requiring continuity, evaluation, and evidence-based adjustments rather than ideological prejudices.
- What should be the focus of social policies? The focus should be on generating development, expanding opportunities, and safeguarding the future of those with fewer resources. Short-term political gains should not come at the expense of a brighter future.
