Community cooperation is key for projects to move forward and for students not to lose opportunities,” said the official. She also mentioned that 3,000 schools will receive school feeding this year and highlighted the effort in rural areas to ensure classes even where there are access or infrastructure difficulties. Molinar added that the Ministry's focus remains on providing students with real tools so they can compete in a changing world. “All our effort is to make every child who passes through our classrooms a better person,” she affirmed, while touring the renovated classrooms and spaces designed to ensure safety and comfort for teachers and students.
While other students were starting their classes, the senior-year graduates made their presence known with caravans, horns, flags, and decorated vehicles. In centers such as the Fermín Naudeau Institute, the young people entered the campus in a parade, marking the start of their final stage in high school. These celebrations, which were previously held at the end of twelfth grade, are now moved to the first day of the final school year, as a symbol of closing the cycle and joy for what is to come.
The Transit and Land Transport Authority reported that about 35 schools received special permits to hold these caravans, which caused congestion on some streets, but they developed without incidents and with great enthusiasm from the students. According to the Ministry of Education (Meduca), 876,605 students returned to the classrooms. The Minister of Education, Lucy Molinar, toured the José Agustín Arango school in Betania and highlighted the renewal of the educational centers. “We want each school to have safe, well-designed, and functional spaces for children. The country was once again filled with backpacks, uniforms, and enthusiasm for the return to classes 2026.”
