Panama Ministry of Education Coordinates Actions Amid High Temperatures, Will Bolster School Protection Measures

Panama's Ministry of Education (Meduca) is actively collaborating with the Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology of Panama (Imhpa) and the Ministry of Health (Minsa) to develop strategies against the country's high temperatures. The goal is to minimize risks for students.

Education Minister Lucy Molinar stated that the institutions are in constant communication to assess weather conditions and determine necessary measures for educational centers. "We are communicating with Imhpa, and with the Ministry of Health, looking at a series of strategies to decide what actions need to be taken," she said.

As a preventive measure, several schools have already modified their activities, particularly physical education classes, to prevent students from being exposed to the sun during peak radiation hours. At the Manuel Espinosa Batista school, for instance, sunscreen and hats are now daily requirements before classes begin. The physical education teacher has also reorganized activities so students participate in smaller groups, with others remaining indoors until their turn.

The regional director of Health for San Miguelito, Algis Torres, emphasized that outdoor physical activities should only occur in the early morning. "Morning students should have physical education until 10:00 AM," he noted. Meduca's environmental director announced that official communications with recommendations from Imhpa will soon be sent to educational communities to reinforce heat protection measures for students, teachers, and administrative staff.