Background on Key Figures and Their Relevance
Mario Delgado, the head of Mexico’s Secretaría de Educación Pública (SEP), played a crucial role in reaffirming the Mexican government’s commitment to eradicating illiteracy by 2026. The event took place during the International Literacy Day commemoration, where Delgado emphasized that literacy would be a flag flown in every corner of Mexico, signifying that all voices could read and write.
Who’s Involved?
- Mario Delgado: Secretary of Education Public (SEP), leading the charge for literacy eradication.
- Leticia Ramírez Amaya: Coordinator General of Intergovernmental Affairs for the Presidency, representing the President of Mexico at the event.
- Alejandro Armenta Mier: Governor of Puebla, pledging to eliminate illiteracy in his state.
- Eduardo Ramírez Aguilar: Governor of Chiapas, committing to the same cause in his state.
The Event and Statements
During the meeting titled “Present and Future of Literacy in Mexico and the World” at the International Baroque Museum in San Andrés Cholula, Puebla, Delgado highlighted that literacy’s future lies in every new notebook, study circle, and eager learner’s gaze. He emphasized that alfabetization builds community and is the best defense against injustice and indifference.
Key Quotes
- Delgado: “Let the letters multiply like fireflies in the night, illuminating paths for none to be left in darkness… May learned words be the threshold of a poem whispering secrets or stirring the soul.”
- Ramírez Amaya: “Literacy for young adults is a task that calls us all. It’s a commitment we must undertake with energy, empathy, and determination to advance toward a more just, equitable, and inclusive society.”
Governors’ Contributions
Puebla’s Governor, Alejandro Armenta Mier, stressed that education is transformation and emphasized the importance of reducing educational lag affecting over 300,000 Pueblans, placing the state sixth nationally in illiteracy rates.
Chiapas’ Governor, Eduardo Ramírez Aguilar, mentioned that 512,000 people in his state lack reading and writing skills, making Chiapas the national leader in illiteracy. He highlighted the Rosario Castellanos scholarship for those wishing to learn and support for their teachers.
SEP and INEA’s Progress
The SEP, through the Instituto Nacional para la Educación de Adultos (INEA), aims to address over 4 million Mexicans aged 15 and above who cannot read or write. Currently, the INEA supports 257,125 individuals in literacy programs, with 83,927 having been successfully alfabetized by August 2025.
Over its 44-year history, the INEA has assisted more than 13 million people in learning to read and write, reducing the illiteracy rate from 4% to 3.93%. The goal is to further decrease it to 3.8% by year-end.
UNESCO’s Support
Rosa Wolpert, the UNESCO National Officer for Education in Mexico, praised the INEA’s 44 years of work and acknowledged Mexico’s long-standing literacy efforts. UNESCO pledged to continue supporting the country in this endeavor.
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: Who attended the event? A: Key participants included Mario Delgado (SEP head), Leticia Ramírez Amaya (Intergovernmental Affairs Coordinator), Alejandro Armenta Mier (Puebla Governor), Eduardo Ramírez Aguilar (Chiapas Governor), and representatives from UNESCO, the Senate Education Commission, and other educational institutions.
- Q: What is the current illiteracy rate in Mexico? A: The current illiteracy rate is 3.93%, down from 4% in previous years.
- Q: What initiatives are being taken to combat illiteracy? A: Initiatives include the Rosario Castellanos scholarship in Chiapas, support from the INEA, and ongoing literacy programs led by the SEP.
