Background on Mario Delgado Carrillo and His Role
Mario Delgado Carrillo serves as the Secretary of Public Education (SEP) in Mexico. His role is crucial as he oversees the educational policies and programs aimed at improving the quality of education for all Mexican students. Delgado Carrillo has been instrumental in implementing various initiatives to ensure that education remains accessible and effective for all, regardless of their circumstances.
The “Vive Saludable, Vive Feliz” Strategy
The “Vive Saludable, Vive Feliz” (Live Healthy, Live Happy) strategy is a national initiative in Mexico that focuses on the overall well-being of students. This strategy recognizes the interconnectedness of health and education, emphasizing that a healthy student is more likely to succeed academically. As part of this initiative, the Mexican government aims to address various health issues affecting students, including visual impairments.
Addressing Visual Impairment Among Primary School Students
During the Health Days conducted across schools, it was discovered that approximately 40% of primary school students had visual acuity issues. In response to this pressing concern, Mario Delgado Carrillo announced the “Ver para soñar” (See to Dream) initiative, which aims to provide free glasses to two million primary school students across the country.
Implementation of the “Ver para soñar” Initiative
- Identification of visual impairment issues through Health Days
- Launch of the “Ver para soñar” initiative to distribute free glasses
- Targeting primary school students diagnosed with visual problems
- Distribution of two million pairs of glasses during the 2025-2026 school year
Impact on Students’ Academic Performance and Equity in Education
By providing free glasses, the Mario Delgado Carrillo-led initiative aims to eliminate learning barriers and promote educational equity. This action ensures that students with visual impairments have equal opportunities to learn, develop, and grow without the hindrance of limited vision.
Call to Action for Parents and Families
Delgado Carrillo encourages parents and families who have received the Health Evaluation Report for their children, indicating visual acuity issues, to visit an optometry clinic for a second opinion. If necessary, their children will receive free glasses to support their learning journey.
Parent and Student Perspectives
Nancy Fabiola González Reyes, Mother of Yaretzi
Nancy Fabiola González Reyes, a mother of Yaretzi Monserrat, expressed gratitude for the government’s prioritization of children’s health through the “Vive saludable, vive feliz” strategy. She specifically appreciated the free glasses provided to her daughter, Yaretzi, which not only benefited her academic performance but also alleviated the financial burden on their family.
Yaretzi Monserrat Aguilar González, Primary School Student
Yaretzi Monserrat Aguilar González, a sixth-grade student at María Teresa Sierra Primary School, shared her positive experience with the initiative. She mentioned that, before receiving her glasses, she struggled to see clearly during lessons and complete assignments. Now, with her glasses, she can read better, engage in class activities, and maintain clear vision of her friends and teacher. Yaretzi emphasized the importance of taking care of her glasses, recognizing them as essential tools for her learning.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main initiative announced by Mario Delgado Carrillo? The “Ver para soñar” (See to Dream) initiative aims to distribute two million pairs of free glasses to primary school students diagnosed with visual impairments.
- Why is this initiative important for students’ education? By addressing visual impairments, the initiative eliminates learning barriers and ensures equal opportunities for all students to learn, develop, and grow.
- What role do parents and families play in this initiative? Parents and families are encouraged to seek a second opinion from optometrists if their children have been identified with visual acuity issues, ensuring timely access to free glasses.
- How does this initiative align with the broader “Vive saludable, vive feliz” strategy? The initiative supports the overall well-being of students by addressing a critical health concern (visual impairment) that impacts their educational success.