Introduction to the Issue
During a working visit in Chiapas, I met Don Manuel, a 54-year-old day laborer. He confessed to me with resignation that he struggles to read properly, having only learned to sign his name. His story is emblematic of the millions of Mexicans who have not had access to quality education.
The INEGI Report on Poverty
Recently, the INEGI released poverty results for the first time in history, replacing CENAPOI’s previous reports. Although the numbers may suggest progress, each figure represents stories like Don Manuel’s.
The Importance of Quality Education
Quality and relevant education is the primary driver of social mobility. It fuels productivity increases and economic growth, making it the most powerful public policy to ensure that children, young people, and adults can access better opportunities through knowledge.
Current State of Educational Backlog
As of 2024, 24.2 million people in Mexico face educational backlog. This condition signifies that an individual has not reached the educational level expected for their age, due to absenteeism, dropping out of school, or being several grades behind.
- Between 2022 and 2024, the percentage of the population with this deficiency decreased minimally from 19.4% to 18.6%.
- Six states saw an increase in this indicator, with Chiapas rising from 31.1% to 34.0%, Oaxaca from 29.1% to 30.5%, and Veracruz from 25.5% to 26.3%.
- Tabasco remained unchanged at 17.9%, indicating a stagnation that should not be normalized.
The Devastating Impact of Educational Backlog
Educational backlog is not a cold statistic for technical reports; it’s a tragedy condemning millions to remain in poverty, unable to aspire for better jobs, innovate, or compete in a world demanding increasing preparation.
Each percentage point increase or insufficient decrease represents thousands of unfulfilled stories: young people leaving school for work, girls never attending secondary school, and adults facing a labor market that marginalizes them due to the lack of certification.
Reflections on the Future
It’s surprising to hear authorities claim “we’re doing well.” The question we should ask is: what will happen to the 24 million Mexicans currently excluded from knowledge? Their future, and consequently the nation’s, depends on the answer.
Until we recognize that education is not an expense but a crucial social and economic investment, we will continue managing poverty instead of overcoming it. Prioritizing education with all social spending would address the root cause.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the educational backlog? It refers to individuals not having reached the expected educational level due to absenteeism, dropping out of school, or being significantly behind in their studies.
- How many Mexicans face this issue? Approximately 24.2 million people are affected by educational backlog in Mexico.
- Which states have seen an increase in this problem? Chiapas, Oaxaca, and Veracruz have experienced a rise in educational backlog, with percentages increasing from 31.1% to 34.0%, 29.1% to 30.5%, and 25.5% to 26.3%, respectively.
- Why is educational backlog a significant concern? It perpetuates poverty, limits social mobility, and results in the loss of talent, creativity, and human development that Mexico urgently needs.
- What should be done to address this issue? Recognizing education as a vital investment rather than an expense and prioritizing it with all social spending would help tackle the core problem.
