Mandatory Education

The recent decisions made by the Mexican congress to make high school education mandatory for all students does little to help increase the overall level of education in the country. This attempt only demonstrates the little knowledge congress has on how the education system truly is.

First of all, I would like to point out that I am in favor of education and I truly believe education must be free and equal in opportunity for all. The poor quality in some public schools due to the over-population and lack of interest in some educators has given private schools the advantage. Sadly, this only means that the people who can afford such education have to right to it. Also, education must be mandatory, but I don't think that just because our elected legislators make this decision, it is correct. Education must be mandatory at home. Parents, grandparents and care-takers must give education the emphasis and importance it truly deserves so that a student, regardless of the laws and social restrictions, will finish his/her education and even go to college. The lack of respect towards schools and teachers is only taking away value from education and leaving schools to wonder how to motivate students. This problem, I am afraid, is not exclusive to Mexico.

I would also like to point out that instead of making laws that will only hinder the work of dedicated teachers (a great number of these does exist), lawmakers should focus on increasing the budget. I know this is a sensitive subject considering most governments around the world are more preoccupied with wars against an endless list of enemies, but, if the budget could be incremented and that money went directly to schools and not to the pockets of SEP directors, union leaders, and others, schools could invest more in material and maintenance. This would automatically create a better environment because students would see the importance of their education rather than apathy.

I think giving education a more important place in the budget and in our minds would truly help a country in such dire need of change. As we, mexicans, face the troubles of our current internal war (against drug dealers, among our lawmakers, among our businessmen, etc.), we must realize that education is the only true "cure" to this. We can fight with as many guns and apprehend as many criminals as we can, but if young people are not given the opportunity for another lifestyle, they will quickly fall into the hands of these criminals.

*Please read Ciro Murayama's opinion on this topic at the Universal website: http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/editoriales/55245.html