Over 580 students, along with teachers and administrative staff, will return to classes in 2026 at the remodeled José Agustín Arango School. Now the institution opens its doors with better conditions to ensure the school year starts without excuses. Corridors, walls, floors, and structures that had been awaiting maintenance for years are being addressed. The national director of Maintenance, Héctor Brancas, indicated that the plan does not stop. With these improvements, he assured, students will have more modern and equipped classrooms to learn in a dignified environment. But it is not the only center being intervened. He pointed out that the educational community had been facing discomforts for some time. The Ministry of Education has activated over a thousand officials, supported by 26 state institutions, working on painting, deep cleaning, and repairs at various schools across the country. In total, 820 schools were prioritized: 505 have already been attended to, 157 are still in progress, and 158 are scheduled, benefiting 287,708 students. The support of the Freedom Plan is also added, with collaborating prisoners helping with adaptations, and more than 100 National Police cadets working even during carnival season in centers in Panamá Centro and Panamá Norte. The Meduca reiterated that maintenance is not a seasonal task. The intention is to sustain the improvements throughout the year and guarantee that the schools do not fall into neglect again. There was work on the roof and deteriorated classrooms. The director of Meduca Projects, Tarcila Soane, explained that the work included changing and raising the roof level, a new cover, renovation of suspended ceilings and lighting. Windows and doors were also replaced to improve ventilation and security. The goal, she said, was to give the school real functionality and comfort. Meanwhile, the school's director, Claribel Cedeño, did not hide her satisfaction. With the Summer Program 2026, electricity, plumbing, and furniture review work are being carried out.
