Panama's Education Minister warns of student mental health crisis

Panama's Minister of Education, Lucy Molinar, has sounded the alarm on a profound mental health crisis affecting students across the country, emphasizing that academic approval rates do not reflect the true well-being of young people.

"We could have a high percentage of students passing, but that is not enough," Molinar stated, pointing to concerning findings from a pilot orientation program implemented in 50 primary schools. In just one quarter, counselors attended to 249 children, with a staggering 165 exhibiting symptoms of depression and engaging in self-harm. Molinar attributed this "inner pain" to home environments marked by domestic violence and a lack of affection, noting a societal tendency to normalize such issues.

To address this crisis, the Ministry of Education (Meduca) is prioritizing the creation of more psychopedagogical support units and equipping teachers with the necessary tools to handle diverse student needs in classrooms that can sometimes exceed 40 pupils. The ministry is also promoting programs in leadership, music, sports, and technology to offer positive alternatives and counter the influence of gangs, with Molinar asserting, "Anyone who wants to do something has a place where they can be."

Looking ahead, Molinar confirmed that a comprehensive educational reform is in its second round of public consultations. This reform aims to establish a robust legal framework for education, from preschool through university, with a clear focus on the student as the central element. "The student is the center, everything revolves around him," she stressed, advocating for a return to realism and humanity to ensure the reform translates into tangible improvements for future generations.