In an effort to combat extreme heat and improve learning conditions, the Baja California government has begun distributing air conditioning units to elementary schools across Mexicali and San Felipe. The program is designed to protect the well-being of students and teachers by ensuring comfortable classroom environments, particularly as the region braces for the hottest months of the year.
The governor emphasized that educational infrastructure is a cornerstone of her administration’s priorities. She noted that while studying and materials are vital, suitable physical spaces are equally critical for fostering effective learning.
This is especially true in regions like Mexicali and San Felipe, where soaring temperatures pose a daily challenge, particularly in schools, where extreme heat can impact the well-being of students and teaching staff.
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“Never before has a state government invested as much in educational infrastructure as we have, and we are going to continue investing. I am convinced that investing in education is the best investment that exists,” the governor said.
She added that the state government is also actively working on the construction and expansion of schools at all levels, from basic to higher education, alongside efforts to increase scholarship availability and address long-standing issues related to teachers’ working conditions.
Irma Martínez Manríquez, head the state’s Department of Education, explained that an initial investment of 10 million pesos from surplus funds has been allocated to purchase and install 575 air conditioning units in these areas for 145 schools. In addition, an additional 15 million pesos has been budgeted to acquire roughly 850 more units.
“We cannot talk about educational excellence if we do not guarantee the minimum necessary conditions for learning. Every investment counts, every action adds up, and every improvement transforms lives,” she said.
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Martínez reported that since the start of the current term, a total of 5,840 air conditioning units have been delivered and installed in the region’s basic education schools. This effort represents an investment of more than 116 million pesos, benefiting the 1,117 schools operating in these areas known for extreme temperatures.
“This action underscores the unwavering commitment of Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda’s administration to provide suitable learning environments in Mexicali, its Valley, and San Felipe. The installation of two-ton mini-split units means we have now practically renewed the air conditioning systems in the majority of our schools,” she concluded.
