Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico – Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro officially launched Jalisco Presente, a comprehensive educational initiative designed to strengthen childhood education through a modern full-time school model. The program emphasizes academic excellence, creativity, technology, nutrition, and emotional well-being.
Developed by the Jalisco Ministry of Education (SEJ), the program will initially operate in 20 public primary schools across 14 municipalities, benefiting 4,842 students and 280 teachers. Schools will now offer an extended day from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, featuring enhanced spaces for academic learning, artistic expression, digital literacy, and English instruction.
Speaking from Urban Primary School #704 Margarito Ramírez in Zapopan, Governor Lemus said the initiative revives the benefits of the full-time school model discontinued by the Federal Government in 2019 – a change that had impacted over 95,000 students in Jalisco.
“We are committed to having the best education system in the country,” stated Lemus. “Through Jalisco Presente, we’re ensuring our children have the tools to fulfill their dreams while providing families with a balanced school schedule that supports their daily lives.” The Governor highlighted that schools participating in the program will provide nutritious meals and limit homework, aligning with international education models that emphasize holistic student development.
The program also aims to support working parents – especially mothers – by offering safe and educational spaces for their children during extended hours. It will expand gradually, doubling the number of participating schools each year until reaching statewide coverage in both urban and rural communities.
Andrea Blanco Calderón, General Coordinator of Social Development, described the initiative as part of Jalisco’s long-term commitment to making education the foundation of the state’s social and economic progress.
Students are already responding positively. Zoé Lozada Sánchez, a sixth-grader at Margarito Ramírez Elementary, expressed her appreciation: “Thank you for supporting public schools and giving us equal opportunities. When the government remembers children, the future brightens.”
Jalisco Presente incorporates key components such as extended school hours, healthy meals, digital learning, music and sports programs, socio-emotional development, academic reinforcement, and bilingual education – further solidifying Jalisco’s commitment to a stronger, more inclusive public education system.
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