Unesco's Mérida City of Learning Committee spotlights advancements in local public policies, with the municipal president underlining these achievements.
Mérida Joins UNESCO's Learning Cities Network
Mérida, the cultural heart of Mexico's Yucatan State, has joined the UNESCO World Network of Learning Cities, positioning itself as the city with the highest number of educational spaces per 100,000 inhabitants in Mexico. This move is part of a global initiative to strengthen education and lifelong learning within cities.
The Mérida City of Learning Committee, installed by UNESCO, is at the helm of this endeavour. The Committee's primary focus is on advancing the commitment to offer teaching and growth opportunities to all inhabitants of Mérida. Adrian Hernandez Coyotl serves as the technical coordinator, while Luis Gonzalez Arenal holds the position of executive coordinator for the Learning Cities Network of Mexico.
The Committee's strategy strengthens the actions and public policies aimed at promoting knowledge and education as engines of development and social justice in Mérida. This strategy is being implemented through 60 strategically distributed educational centers offering a variety of programs and activities free of charge. These centers integrate programs from five municipal directorates, including the Directorate of Social Development and Poverty Alleviation, the Directorate of Prosperity and Well-being, the Directorate of Identity and Culture, the Directorate of Human Well-being, and the Merida DIF.
The programs offered at these educational centers range from English academies to Mayan identity workshops, ensuring a diverse range of learning opportunities for the city's residents. The Committee's efforts are also evident in cultural events such as the Mérida Jazz Festival, an annual event linked to the UNESCO Learning Cities program, and local concerts series like "Olimpo Live."
The Learning Festival, to be held on August 15 at the Sara Mena Learn Center and Cristo Rey Park, is a testament to the Committee's commitment to promoting lifelong learning and cultural exchange in the community. The festival offers more than 60 free activities, including jarana classes, football, family shows, and learning dynamics, providing a platform to disseminate knowledge, celebrate local culture, and foster a culture of lifelong learning within the city.
The municipal president of Yucatan State, Cecilia Patron Laviada, was present during the statement, emphasizing the importance of this recognition for Mérida. Being part of the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities is a recognition of the efforts made by Mérida to promote education, innovation, and inclusion. The Committee's work is a significant step towards achieving Mérida's goal of becoming a UNESCO Learning City, revitalizing learning through diverse educational programs and cultural initiatives.
The Mérida City of Learning Committee, tasked by UNESCO, prioritizes the advancement of education-and-self-development opportunities for all Mérida inhabitants. This commitment is manifested through the implementation of various programs and activities at 60 strategically placed educational centers, offering a diverse range of courses from English academies to Mayan identity workshops.
The Learning Festival, scheduled for August 15 at the Sara Mena Learn Center and Cristo Rey Park, is a reflection of the Committee's dedication to promoting lifelong learning and cultural exchange within the community, encompassing activities such as jarana classes, family shows, and learning dynamics.
