Over 110,000 students started the school year in the 417 schools of West Panama. According to Regional Education Director Rufino Rodríguez, to address the accelerated growth of the student population, 15 projects for the construction of new schools have been launched, of which work has already begun on five and ten are in the design phase. In five schools in La Chorrera and Arraiján, directors will have to adjust schedules due to remodeling, electrical, and expansion works. This is the case at the Fernando De Lesseps Professional and Technical Institute, Once de Octubre, Federico 'Yico' Velásquez's El Marañonal, and the Vista Alegre General Basic Education Center. Rufino Rodríguez stated that as the responsible companies hand over the buildings, the entire student population will be incorporated. He added that for this year, there are 5,000 teachers in the 417 primary, middle, and high schools of West Panama.
