Deep in rural La Huasteca along the Gulf of Mexico, the pandemic has cast a long shadow over young minds. Carolina, an eight-year-old from an indigenous community, has missed almost a year of schooling since the federal government closed schools in March 2020 amidst rising COVID-19 cases.
With schools shuttered, Carolina’s daily life shifted from classroom learning to helping her mother with chores and caring for livestock. The situation remained unchanged until August, when Mexico introduced televised and radio-based classes for its 30 million students, recognizing the limited internet access in these regions.
Despite the government's efforts, the digital divide remains stark. In 2019, only 56 percent of Mexican households had internet access, while 92.5 percent owned a television. However, approximately 14 million residents, primarily in rural indigenous communities, still lack a TV, making broadcast education inaccessible for many.
Carolina's school in Aquismon adapted by distributing worksheets every Monday to monitor student progress. With no more than half of the students having access to a television, Carolina and her mother walk two kilometers each week to receive new assignments and feedback from teachers.
\"The teacher said we should find a TV, but how are we going to get one if no one lends it to us to do the homework?\" Carolina’s mother, Dominga, expressed her concerns. She fears the long-term impacts on her daughter’s education, especially since she struggles to teach third-grade subjects herself and is only gradually learning Spanish, transitioning from her native Huasteco language.
The pandemic has highlighted the urgent need to bridge the educational and technological gaps in rural Mexico. As the country continues to navigate these challenges, the stories of children like Carolina underscore the resilience of communities striving for a brighter future.
Reference(s):
A generation set back: Children in rural Mexico lag behind in pandemic
cgtn.com
