AMERICA/MEXICO - First day of school in Chiapas, after 3 months of teachers strike

Monday, 19 September 2016 violence   education   bishops   local churches  

San Cristobal (Agenzia Fides) - The Bishop of the diocese of San Cristobal de Las Casas, Chiapas, His Exc. Mgr. Felipe Arizmendi Esquivel, supported the efforts of the leaders of the National Center of Education Workers (CNTE) and government authorities, to put an end to the long national strike of teachers, and thus "prevent a violent eviction of the schools that would have resulted in bloody actions". The end of the conflict was sanctioned on September 16 (see Fides 24/6/2016, 28/6/2016, 12/7/2016, 21/7/2016).
Yesterday, Sunday, September 18, after Sunday Mass the Bishop in an impromptu press conference, stressed that "many benefits for teachers were granted, but are also the result of their struggle and their commitment. These results cannot be underestimated".
The letter sent to Fides informs that Mgr. Felipe Arizmendi Esquivel stressed the central point, the political agreement between the authorities and CNTE, which provides for the suspension of the education reform until 2018. In this regard, he said: "Although political solutions are temporary, they are often the only way to find social peace. We have to try to be understanding, so all together, teachers, parents and communities, can overcome the educational backwardness in Chiapas". (CE) (Agenzia Fides, 19/09/2016)


Share: