Mexico will end the school year more than a month early, the country’s education minister has announced, as it prepares to host the World Cup amid a scorching heat wave.

Education Secretary Mario Delgado made the announcement in a social media post on Thursday, prompting a wave of criticism amid fears about the impact on education and concerns from parents who will need to find alternative childcare.

On Friday, President Claudia Sheinbaum appeared to backtrack, saying the schedule was merely a proposal. But Delgado doubled down during an event in the northern state of Sonora.

“We’re going to end the school year on June 5 because many states are already experiencing high temperatures, and there’s also the issue of the World Cup,” the French AFP news agency quoted him as saying.

What do we know about Mexico’s shorter academic year?

As per the schedule put forward by Delgado, the school year would end on June 5, instead of July 15. To compensate, Delgado said authorities were considering moving up the start of the next academic year, currently scheduled for August 31.

“It will be ensured that all provisions of the curriculum are met and that the academic ‌progress of all students is maintained,” Delgado wrote on X without elaborating. 

In a press conference, Sheinbaum stressed that “it’s important that the children don’t miss classes either.”

Why is Mexico’s decision to shorten the school year controversial?

The modified schedule should only affect students who attend public schools, who account for around 90% of the students in Mexico.

“Using the FIFA World Cup as an argument to shorten the ​school calendar is unacceptable. Our children’s education cannot be sacrificed for a sporting event that will take place in just three of the country’s 2,500 municipalities,” Mexico’s National Union of Parent Associations said in a ⁠statement, adding ​that high temperatures are nothing new.

Mexico is currently experiencing a strong heatwave, with temperatures reaching 45 degrees Celsius in parts of the country. Such conditions are not uncommon in Mexico, as heat typically begins to ease in July.

Mexico City, Monterrey and Guadalajara are set to host 13 World Cup matches, including the opening game in Mexico City on June 11. Ending the school year early could mean less traffic as visitors flock to the country for the tournament. 

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Edited by: Roshni Majumdar