Mexico will end the school year more than a month early, the country’s education minister has announced as it prepares to host the World Cup amid scorching heat.
Education Secretary Mario Delgado made the announcement in a social media post on Thursday, sparking a wave of criticism amid fears of an impact on education and concerns from parents who will need to find alternative childcare.
On Friday, President Claudia Sheinbaum backtracked, saying the program was only a proposal. But Delgado doubled down during an event in the northern state of Sonora.
“We are going to end the school year on June 5 because many states are already experiencing high temperatures, and there is also the issue of the World Cup,” the French AFP news agency quoted him as saying.
What do we know about Mexico’s shortened academic year?
According to the schedule set by Delgado, the school year will end on June 5 instead of July 15. To compensate, Delgado said officials are considering pushing back the start of the next academic year, currently scheduled for Aug. 31.
“This will ensure that all curriculum provisions are met and that the academic progress of all students is maintained,” Delgado wrote on X, without elaborating.
At a press conference, Sheinbaum stressed that “it is important that children do not miss classes.”
Why is Mexico’s decision to shorten the school year controversial?
The revised program should only affect students who attend public schools, which is about 90% of students in Mexico.
Mexico’s National Union of Parent Associations said in a statement, “Using the FIFA World Cup as an argument for shortening the school calendar is unacceptable. Our children’s education cannot be sacrificed for a sporting event that takes place in only three of the country’s 2,500 municipalities.” He said that high temperature is nothing new.
Mexico is currently experiencing extreme heat, with temperatures reaching 45 degrees Celsius in some parts of the country. Such conditions are not uncommon in Mexico, as the heat usually begins to subside in July.
Mexico City, Monterrey and Guadalajara are set to host 13 World Cup matches, including the opening match in Mexico City on June 11. The school year ending early could mean less traffic as tourists flock to the country for the tournament.
Edited by: Roshni Majumdar