Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, February 6, 2026 – The Chihuahua Secretariat of Education and Sport, through the Educational Services of the State of Chihuahua (Seech), in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has successfully implemented the “Akelius” program at the Independencia Primary School in Ciudad Juárez.
420 Students to Graduate Bilingual in English
This innovative program is set to benefit a total of 420 girls and boys across all 18 groups at the school, located in the Colonia Independencia II. The initiative aims for these students to become fluent in English by the time they complete their basic education.
Diana Elizabeth Soto Méndez, the school’s director, highlighted that the Akelius tool seamlessly integrates with the regular study plans approved by the Secretariat of Public Education (SEP), enhancing them with foreign language instruction.
“This program is currently implemented only in this primary school in Ciudad Juárez and in one secondary school. The goal is to observe the impact of linking Spanish and English content and how children emerge with improved preparation,” stated Professor Soto Méndez.
Akelius: A Fun and Engaging Learning Experience
The “Akelius” program utilizes an application pre-loaded onto electronic tablets provided by UNICEF to students. These tablets, along with accompanying books, offer an engaging and enjoyable method for students to learn English.
Aimée Freyre Rodríguez, the head of UNICEF Mexico’s ‘Akelius’ program, explained that these educational tools have been deployed in Tijuana, Tapachula, and Ciudad Juárez for the past four years. Initially, the program targeted fifth and sixth-grade students. However, starting this academic year, it has been expanded to include first-grade students.
The program is also being implemented at State Secondary School 3012 in Colonia Salvárcar, aligning with the program’s objective to make a significant impact in vulnerable areas of border cities.
Transforming Education in Vulnerable Communities
The expansion of the Akelius program to younger students and its focus on vulnerable communities underscore a commitment to providing equitable educational opportunities. By fostering bilingualism from an early age, the program aims to equip students with essential skills for future academic and professional success.
This collaboration between the Chihuahua Secretariat of Education and UNICEF represents a crucial step towards enhancing the quality of basic education in the region, particularly in areas where such support can make a profound difference in students’ lives.
The initiative is expected to not only improve language proficiency but also to boost cognitive development and cultural understanding among the participating students, preparing them for a more interconnected world.
The success of the Akelius program in Ciudad Juárez could serve as a model for similar educational interventions in other parts of Mexico, demonstrating the potential of integrating technology and foreign language instruction into the national curriculum to achieve higher educational outcomes.
The local educational authorities and UNICEF officials expressed their optimism about the long-term benefits of this program, emphasizing its role in shaping a brighter future for the children of Ciudad Juárez.
