Mexican teachers protest education reforms

(Vatican Radio) Thousands of protesting teachers have marched to the railings of the cordoned off Presidential Palace in Mexico City, demanding that the government moderate its education reforms, which have already been voted in by the country's Congress.

Mexico's President Enrique Peña Nieto stresses teachers must pass exams and be assessed to improve academic standards. Diana, one of the marching teachers, says the Government has failed to provide proper training, funding or facilities for teachers, especially in the regions. “We need a good preparation, we need good courses, we need good help. And they don't give us that.”

Colleague Erika says teachers need better facilities which are woefully lacking. “The teachers want to work, but not in those conditions. We need the best condition . . . to create better students.”

A lawyer by profession, Education Minister Emilio Chauyffett insists the teachers must make the grade. And he's warning that if they don't return to work soon, they'll be fired. Diana questions his qualifications. “He hasn't the requirements to be in that place.”

Minister of the Interior Jesus Osorio Chong says the teachers' ramshackle tent city in the Capitol's main Zocalo Plaza must be removed by the weekend, to make way for Mexican Independence Day celebrations.

Listen to James Blears’ report: