Introduction to Mario Delgado and the New Mexican School (NEM)
Mario Delgado Carrillo, the Secretary of Public Education (SEP), has been instrumental in shaping the Nueva Escuela Mexicana (NEM), a transformative educational initiative in Mexico. Under the leadership of President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, Delgado Carrillo aims to redefine Mexico’s educational landscape by integrating academic excellence with socioemotional development for young people.
The “Ninis” and the Neglect of Previous Governments
During neoliberal governments, young people were disregarded and labeled as “ninis,” a derogatory term implying they lacked ambition or purpose. These young individuals were denied opportunities for higher education, leaving them without clear paths forward.
The Role of the Current Administration
In contrast, the current administration under President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo has prioritized youth development. Delgado Carrillo emphasizes that young people are now at the heart of transformation, with access to scholarships, guaranteed educational spaces, and improved infrastructure.
Infrastructure Growth and the NEM
The expansion of educational infrastructure across Mexico is a cornerstone of the NEM. One example is the CBTIS 293 in Tizayuca, Hidalgo, which will be completed and ready for students by December. This project is part of a larger plan to construct 20 new technical schools, expand 35 existing preparatorias, and convert 30 secondary schools to offer evening classes.
The Sistema Nacional de Bachillerato de la Nueva Escuela Mexicana
The new National Baccalaureate System of the New Mexican School (NEM) will commence on September 1st, featuring a common core curriculum that enables student mobility between institutions. Graduates will receive two certificates: a bachelor’s degree from the SEP and a technical certificate validated by higher education institutions, enhancing their future prospects.
Additional Educational Initiatives
In collaboration with the Directorate General of Technical and Vocational Education (DGETI), 15 new technical careers will be introduced in the upcoming academic year. Furthermore, 250 study plans and programs are being reviewed to ensure alignment with the productive sector.
Support from Local and Federal Governments
The Secretary of Education in Hidalgo, Natividad Castrejón Valdés, acknowledged the significance of mid-level education in nurturing well-rounded individuals. He expressed gratitude to President Sheinbaum Pardo and Delgado Carrillo for their support, which includes the Universal Benito Juárez Scholarship for Middle-Level Education and the La Escuela es Nuestra (LEEN) program, benefiting 113 middle-level institutions in Hidalgo.
Community Involvement
The mayor of Tizayuca, Gretchen Atilano Moreno, also expressed gratitude for the federal government’s decision to build the new preparatoria in her municipality. The project, valued at 35 million pesos, was made possible through a donated plot of land by the local administration.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the Nueva Escuela Mexicana (NEM)? The NEM is a transformative educational initiative in Mexico, led by Secretary of Public Education Mario Delgado Carrillo and President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo. It aims to integrate academic excellence with socioemotional development for young people.
- What is the significance of the CBTIS 293 in Tizayuca, Hidalgo? The CBTIS 293 is part of the NEM’s infrastructure expansion plan, which includes constructing 20 new technical schools, expanding 35 preparatorias, and converting 30 secondary schools to offer evening classes.
- What benefits do students receive from the new National Baccalaureate System of the NEM? Students will receive two certificates: a bachelor’s degree from the SEP and a technical certificate validated by higher education institutions, providing greater opportunities for their future.
- How are local and federal governments supporting the NEM? Local and federal governments are collaborating to introduce new technical careers, review study plans for alignment with the productive sector, and provide scholarships like the Universal Benito Juárez Scholarship for Middle-Level Education and the La Escuela es Nuestra (LEEN) program.
