Jalisco is set to become the first state in Mexico to introduce mandatory music classes in all public schools, from preschool through secondary levels, Governor Pablo Lemus announced this week.
The initiative is part of the broader “Jalisco con Estrella” program, aimed at rehabilitating and modernizing over 7,000 educational institutions across the state.
“To achieve the best educational system in Jalisco, we need quality classrooms, restrooms, recreational areas, sports facilities and accessibility for children living with disabilities,” stated Lemus.
The “Jalisco con Estrella” program includes improvements such as painting, waterproofing, accessibility enhancements, sports areas, recreational modules, and, where feasible, construction of new buildings.
The focus will be on creating modern, welcoming and sustainable infrastructure, following a Net Zero Carbon model with features like natural lighting, rainwater harvesting and energy generation, explained Francisco Ontiveros Balcázar, head of the Jalisco Institute for Physical Educational Infrastructure (INFEJAL).
Ontiveros outlined that the initial phase will cover 249 schools, with an investment exceeding US$78 million, emphasizing, “Our commitment is to complete all school renovations within three years.”
As part of the initiative, music kits have already been distributed to 266 schools across 71 municipalities, with the goal of equipping all schools with necessary musical infrastructure.
During the program launch, students from the “Juana de Asbaje” secondary school, which already hosts a string orchestra and mariachi classes, performed iconic Mexican melodies such as “Guadalajara, Guadalajara” and “Cielito Lindo.” Lemus also symbolically handed out musical instruments to students.