Mexico is grappling with a learning crisis that has resulted in a backlog of up to five school years following the COVID-19 pandemic, according to reports from xataka.com.mx.
Fourth and fifth-grade students are struggling with basic addition, while third graders are entering classrooms without basic literacy skills. This situation is severely impacting primary education levels both in Mexico and across Latin America.
Luis Chiba Ramayón, Senior Vice President of Kumon for Mexico and Central America, stated that the region is undergoing an educational crisis as a direct consequence of the pandemic. After conducting thousands of diagnostic tests across the country, Chiba confirmed a delay spanning four to five school cycles.
Chiba attributed this phenomenon to the rushed implementation of virtual learning during lockdown periods. He noted that a lack of technological tools and insufficient teacher training further widened the digital divide.
The Digital Divide and Lack of Access
According to a 2021 publication by the KAS Foundation, many schools lacked the necessary resources for remote learning. The absence of effective public policies forced millions of students into either dropping out or suffering severe learning setbacks.
While the 2024 ENDUTIH survey estimates that over 80% of the population over age six uses the internet, the reality in schools is quite different. UNESCO warns that only three out of ten schools in Mexico have access to this technology, placing the country in a "no progress" category regarding both learning outcomes and basic infrastructure.
The crisis extends to literacy, with data from the portal indicating that nearly 30% of school-aged children between six and 12 in Mexico are unable to read or write.
The full consequences of this educational gap are expected to manifest in 10 to 15 years. Chiba warned that the lack of a solid educational foundation will lead to a shortage of professionals and human capital in Mexico and Latin America.
He further noted that students will face fewer options when choosing career paths, particularly in the technology sectors. Reversing this trend will require a concerted effort between government authorities, parents, and private institutions.
