The return to classes on August 30 is imminent, said the head of the Ministry of Public Education (SEP), Delfina Gómez Álvarez.
“The children need to return. We already see problems of violence, obesity, stress,” she warned during her announcement at a morning conference. “It is proven that one of the safest places, if not the safest, is the school. We as teachers have that great opportunity to attend to those who are the reason for our work and essence, which are the children,” she added.
The federal official pointed out that it will be necessary for students to carry a letter of commitment and co-responsibility in which their mothers, fathers or guardians authorize them to attend classes.
Delfina Gómez stressed that during the pandemic, classes were never interrupted, thanks to the Learn At Home and Youth At Home strategies adding that the return to schools on August 30 is imminent, but maintained that this will be coordinated and cautious.
President Andrés Manuel López Obrador reaffirmed the importance of returning to face-to-face classes, noting that the return to the classroom on August 30 will be voluntary.
“Going back to school is very important. This decision has been made. Work is being done, cleaning the schools, rehabilitating them, preparing ourselves for that purpose. (…) There is a lot of damage to be caused if we do not return to the classrooms. We are going to take care of girls and boys with sanitary protocols, but the return to classes is important for everyone. (…)”
“We can no longer continue like this. We have to start the school year at the end of this month,” stressed the president.
“We know what to do in each school with the support of mothers and fathers, teachers, municipal authorities, state authorities. I repeat, it is essential to return to classes. There is nothing to replace school,” AMLO said.
Source: La Jornada
