Researchers analysed the impact of a decision to extend hours from 4.5 to 8 per day in high schools under the Full-Time Schools Programme introduced in 2007.

They found that robberies dropped 11% following the change, but that there was little impact on more serious crimes or minor offences.

The biggest effects were found in children aged between 12 and 14 and in lower-income areas.

With less spare time on their hands, the students simply had less opportunity to break the law , the researchers surmised.

Crime is a significant problem across Latin America , imposing direct costs on the region's economies of almost 3.5% of GDP - that would cover three-quarters of all the education budgets.

In Mexico in particular, young people aged between 12 and 17 account for 39% of total convictions.

Increasing the school day likely has other significant benefits to society as well, the study's authors Francisco Cabrera-Hernández and Bárbara A. Zárate-Tenorio. Their research was published in the World Development journal. 

Image: Depositphotos.com

In Johor, where many schools have traditionally required neckties and built distinctive identities around them, the change has drawn criticism from some education groups. 

Mohd Ridhwan Othman, chairman of the Malaysian Education Concorde Organisation (Me’Didik), said neckties play a role in cultivating discipline and pride in personal appearance.

“A necktie can help cultivate self-discipline and instill good character in students. Wearing a tie teaches children to take care of their personal appearance, as they carry the image of their school,” he said.

Ridhwan also raised concerns about the timing of the circular, noting that some schools had already purchased ties in bulk ahead of the new academic year. 

In Johor, he said, students typically wear formal uniforms — including ties — only on Mondays, with sports or co-curricular attire on other days.

Others welcomed the move as a practical adjustment to classroom conditions . Vincent D’Silva, president of the Johor English Language Teaching Association, said discipline should not be conflated with uniform accessories.

“Discipline is shaped by values, teaching and example – not by a strip of fabric around the neck,” he said. “In a tropical climate, comfort matters, and learning should never be made harder by unnecessary discomfort.”

Many elements of school formality, including neckties, were adopted from education systems in temperate countries, where climate and infrastructure differ markedly from those in the Global South.

D’Silva said the ministry’s decision refines rather than weakens the uniform system, maintaining school identity while removing an item with limited educational value.

Under the circular dated December 17, schools may still allow neckties if there is mutual agreement with parents, but no student may be compelled or pressured to wear one. 

The policy was approved at the Education Ministry Professional Council’s Special 2025 meeting on December 8.

Signed by Education director-general Dr Mohd Azam Ahmad, the directive leaves schools to determine whether discipline is best reinforced through dress codes — or through teaching and example.

Chile has launched its largest-ever public–private partnership to exploit lithium, a critical mineral central to electric vehicle batteries and renewable energy tech, potentially surpassing Argentina’s production footprint. The initiative, backed by state and private capital, seeks to attract long-term investment and strengthen Chile’s position in global supply chains, especially amid surging demand from China. Officials argue the country’s abundant lithium reserves and improved regulatory framework make it an ideal candidate for large-scale development. The project aligns with national economic diversification goals while prompting discussions on environmental safeguards and community consultation. Chile’s move reflects broader competition among South American lithium producers for foreign partnerships and market leadership.

Wildfires scorch over 800 hectares; 158 communes on high alert

A wave of wildfires in central and southern Chile has burned more than 800 hectares, including significant forest areas in Las Condes and surrounding regions. The National Forestry Corporation (CONAF) and emergency services report that fires are active across 158 communes, triggering widespread deployment of firefighters, aircraft and community evacuation warnings. Extreme heat and dry conditions have exacerbated fire behaviour, complicating containment efforts. Local authorities activated the “Red Button” emergency alert in multiple municipalities to coordinate rapid response and resource mobilisation. Residents have been urged to follow safety protocols and stay informed on closures and air quality updates. The government has also appealed for inter-regional assistance as the season’s fire risk peaks.

Education regulator mandates “safe classroom” procedures for private schools

Chile’s Superintendency of Education has ordered private schools to adopt “aula segura” (safe classroom) procedures to address incidents of violence , bullying and disruptive behaviour. The directive requires institutions to establish clear protocols for identifying and managing safety risks, protecting students and staff, and reporting serious cases to authorities. The move comes amid rising public concern over school safety and disciplinary consistency across educational settings. Regulators emphasised that safe classroom measures must align with national education standards and child protection norms. Schools must now review internal policies and train personnel to meet the new requirements. Advocates say the policy will create more structured, equitable and enforceable safeguards, while some private school associations seek clarity on implementation timelines and resource support.

Johannes Kaiser outlines “red lines” for potential role in Kast’s government

Johannes Kaiser, leader of Chile’s National Libertarian Party (PNL) and former presidential candidate, met with representatives linked to president‑elect José Antonio Kast to present a set of “red lines”, non‑negotiable conditions for his party’s cooperation with the incoming administration. Kaiser said his group is available to be part of the future government if the conditions that protect its identity and core principles are accepted, framing the lines as a framework for operational cooperation rather than personal appointments. He emphasised that discussions will continue soon to define the scope of possible collaboration, including policy priorities that must be respected. The stipulations reportedly include opposition to the continuation of certain gender and sexual education programmes, reflecting ideological priorities of his libertarian platform. The deliberations are ongoing as both sides gauge how the PNL might support Kast’s agenda without compromising its political identity.

PS and FA defend Communist Party’s mobilisation call against Kast

Chile’s Socialist Party (PS) and Broad Front (FA) have publicly defended a call by the Communist Party (PC) to mobilise against presidential candidate José Antonio Kast, framing protests as a legitimate democratic expression. Facing criticism from opponents who labelled the mobilisation incitement, PS and FA leaders argued that peaceful citizen action addresses deep political divisions and responds to concerns over Kast’s policy agenda on social rights and inequalities. The debate has intensified in public discourse, with voices on both sides warning about polarisation and the tone of campaign rhetoric. PS and FA officials stressed the importance of respecting collective mobilisation within constitutional bounds, while urging all political actors to avoid incitement to violence. The episode reflects broader ideological battles shaping Chile’s electoral environment.

Over the same period, the student population has declined sharply, dropping from 9.9 million in 1980 to just 5.07 million this year. The scale of that fall has forced education authorities to consolidate schools, particularly in areas where enrolment has slipped below sustainable levels.

Primary schools account for the overwhelming majority of closures, with more than 3,600 shutting their doors permanently. By comparison, fewer than 300 middle schools and just 70 high schools have closed.

Jin said the figures point to a growing gap between school closures and follow-up planning. 

“As student numbers continue to decline, closures are inevitable,” she said. “But the government must move beyond simply shutting schools and develop a long-term strategy to repurpose them as assets that can still serve local communities.”

The pace of closures has accelerated in recent years. Since 2020 alone, 158 schools have closed, and a further 107 are expected to follow within the next five years as smaller age cohorts move through the system.

South Korea’s record-low birthrate sits at the centre of the problem. With the total fertility rate remaining below 0.8 — the lowest in the world — the country is producing far fewer children than needed to sustain existing school networks, particularly outside the capital region.

North Jeolla and South Jeolla provinces recorded the highest numbers of recent closures, followed by Gyeonggi and South Chungcheong, suggesting that population decline is reshaping regional education faster than urban centres.

Long-term projections indicate that the contraction is far from over. The Korean Educational Development Institute estimates that the number of students will fall to around 4.25 million by 2029, a loss of more than 800,000 pupils in just six years.

At the same time, questions are mounting over what becomes of closed school sites. Of the more than 4,000 schools that have shut, 376 remain unused, with many left idle for over a decade and some abandoned for more than 30 years.

“I also want to direct that no public school should be requesting learners to make contributions towards the School Development Fund and any other fees, except boarding fees,” Mutharika announced.

The 85-year-old returned to office after winning the September 16 presidential election with 66% of the vote. 

While day school students will benefit fully from the waiver, those attending boarding schools will still be required to pay boarding fees, which remain significant.

The government expects this policy to boost enrolment and reduce drop-out rates. Although there has been progress in primary education drop-out rates—falling from 11.7% in 2009 to 3.2% in 2018—retention remains a concern. Malawi has a primary school completion rate of 52%and a repetition rate of 24.5%.

In 2024, 24,371 students dropped out of both primary and secondary schools. Data from Malawi’s Nation newspaper shows that only 33% of children complete primary school, while just 4% finish upper secondary school.

President Mutharika, who previously served from 2014 to 2020, was re-elected to address the economic challenges that worsened under the administration of Lazarus Chakwera. 

After taking office in 2020, Chakwera oversaw an economy that saw inflation rise to 33%. The prices of food, maize, and fertiliser increased, contributing to a rise in poverty. 

“The [previous] government has not been able to mobilise enough revenue to implement its programmes. Overall growth projection remains weak, with GDP projected to grow at 2.8% in 2025 from 1.7% in 2024, mainly attributed to low agricultural productivity, supply chain constraints and limited industrial capacity,” Mutharika said.

He noted that his administration has already begun taking steps to address these challenges.

The World Bank reports that Malawi has one of the top four highest poverty rates worldwide, with 70% of its population living on less than $2.15 daily, according to a 2019 household survey. 

Poverty has risen by three million since 2010, totalling 13 million people in 2019.

The map shows how school grades are awarded from “worst” to “best,” with ranges like 0–10, 1–5, 0–20, and even 1–100 appearing in different nations. While superficially this might look like a quirky oddity, it actually reveals deeper truths about how schooling and standards operate in Latin America .

For one, when students and transcripts cross borders, for university admissions or migration , these differences complicate things. A “7” in one country might be equivalent to a “C” in another, while a “14” on a scale of 20 might translate differently again.

According to a global overview of grading systems, South America frequently uses numerical scales like 1–10 or 0–20 instead of the letter-grade models seen elsewhere.

In particular:

These variations matter not just academically, but socially: they mirror differences in school resources, quality of instruction, and the rural-urban divide across Latin America.

For example, a recent review points out that the educational systems in South America are characterised by “inconsistencies and largely correlate to the economy of the countries” — meaning that how you’re graded may depend heavily on where you live and the school you attend.

What the map shows at a glance

The global and contemporary link

This diversity of grading scales comes at a moment when higher education and student mobility are more international than ever. For example, with the rise of online learning, cross-border student exchanges and global credentials, universities must interpret these varied grading systems.

Meanwhile, more broadly, Latin America is facing intense pressure to improve educational outcomes.

A recent study analysing data from the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2022 for nine Latin American countries found significant “efficiency gaps” between public and private institutions, meaning that even given the same resources, outcomes varied sharply.

Grading systems, and their interpretation, become one piece of this larger puzzle of equity, access and quality in education.

This year, students hoping to leverage AI tools were met with restrictions, with screenshots shared on Weibo, China’s popular social media platform, capturing one user’s attempt to upload an exam question to Doubao. The app responded, “During the college entrance examination, according to relevant requirements, the question answering service will be suspended.” Even when the user insisted, “This is not the college entrance examination,” the response remained unchanged. Similarly, DeepSeek, a generative AI tool that surged in popularity in 2025, blocked services during exam hours, citing the need “to ensure fairness in the college entrance examination,” according to Bloomberg .

Other platforms, including Tencent’s Yuanbao and Moonshot AI’s Kimi, also disabled photo-recognition features, which could otherwise analyse test papers. These measures have frustrated some university students who rely on these tools for assignments

The AI blackout is part of a broader anti-cheating arsenal whereby Chinese authorities have deployed AI-powered monitoring systems in provinces like Jiangxi to detect “abnormal behaviours” such as whispering or suspicious glances, with footage reviewed post-exam for violations, per the Global Times . Stricter entry protocols include biometric identification, enhanced device screening, and radio signal blockers to neutralise illicit communication devices.

The voluntary suspension of AI features by tech giants, without formal public announcements, suggests a coordinated effort to align with regulatory expectations and uphold exam integrity.

This forms part of efforts to tackle the persistent fuel problems the country has been struggling with for months.

The economy has been in trouble since 2023, and people have protested by blocking roads over time, making it even harder for fuel to be delivered.

Previously, Bolivia was making a lot of money selling gas, but that has dropped, forcing the government to import less fuel. Fuel is now sold at low prices in Bolivia because the government helps cover the cost.

Arce, in a speech on March 12 said, “Bolivia is not bankrupt… it has an economy that continues to generate public investment”.

People have protested by blocking roads over time, making it even harder for fuel to be delivered.

To save fuel, the government will use half as many state cars as before. Schools will have more online classes so students and teachers don’t have to travel as much.

Also, government workers will now work straight from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. local time without a lunch break. This is also meant to reduce traffic during lunchtime.

As part of the government’s suggested solutions, farmers will get first access to fuel since they need it to grow food.

The government will also send the military to stop people from smuggling fuel out of the country.

For now, the country’s 160,000 teachers are carrying the load in many schools.

Government spokesperson and Minister of State Administration, Inocencio Impissa, acknowledged the problem, calling it a serious challenge.

Many teachers are already overworked , and unpaid overtime has sparked tensions. Last week, teachers at several schools refused to supervise exams, demanding long-overdue payments.

Newly appointed Education Minister Samaria Tovela, who took office on January 28, says she plans to meet with teachers to address the issue.

Despite the shortage, the government insists that schools will open on time. However, in some areas, like Maputo and Nampula, reopening may not be possible.

Several schools were damaged during protests in December when demonstrators, angry over the results of the October election, set classrooms, offices, and even libraries on fire.

School textbooks are however expected to arrive on time unlike in 2024 when many students had to wait until August for books, even though classes started in February.

This year, the Ministry of Education says textbooks will be available at the start of the school year, both in print and digital formats.

The government must wait for parliament to approve key policy documents before confirming recruitment numbers.

"The ministry reiterates the 2020 regulation on student hairstyles was officially revoked on Jan 16, last year," ministry spokesman Siripong Angkasakulkiat was quoted as saying .

This means traditional hairstyles, such as ear-length cuts or shaved styles, will no longer be required.

"There are no longer any stipulations regarding the length or style of students' hair. Decisions on hairstyles and dress codes should depend on each school," Siripong added.

The Education Minister, Permpoon Chidchob, also emphasised the importance of respecting students' rights while maintaining discipline.

"Discipline is important, but it must go hand in hand with human rights," he was quoted as having said .

The ministry further urged schools to create spaces for open discussions, so students can share their views on the new hairstyle policies.

Education officials said the aim is to promote proper behaviour, respect, and harmony while reducing bullying.

Meanwhile, the schools have been encouraged to ensure that students' freedom does not lead to harm or negative societal impacts.

Families gathered at the school in Uthai Thani province, where the children studied. As a marching band played in the rain, royal palace staff carried the coffins on traditional funerary carriages, while parents dressed in black placed portraits and toys beside them.

“I hoped it wasn't my son,” said Wichan Suebsaichan, father of nine-year-old Reutthawat, who dreamed of being a football player.

“Now the house just seems too quiet. I can't handle it. May he rest in peace," Bantima Tuadchampa, who lost her six-year-old grandson was quoted by AFP.

Monks chanted as the 23 caskets were placed in individual cremation furnaces, ending a week of ceremonies. About 5,000 people attended the mass cremation, including community members and government officials.

In the wake of the tragedy, Thai police arrested the bus driver, Samarn Chanput, 48, who faces charges including reckless driving causing death. The incident has raised public concern about vehicle safety, prompting the transport ministry to recall over 13,000 gas-fueled buses for checks.

The fire broke out after the bus, which was carrying 39 students and six teachers, crashed on a highway north of Bangkok on Tuesday. Investigators believe a burst tyre caused the vehicle to hit a barrier, sparking a fire that spread too quickly for many passengers to escape.

Police have arrested the driver on suspicion of causing death by careless driving, and authorities are investigating whether the bus's compressed gas tanks played a role in the fire. The government has ordered checks on more than 13,000 gas-fueled buses, as some relatives call for a ban on their use, AFP reports.

The formal funeral prayers began on October 3 and will continue until a mass cremation scheduled for October 8, with King Maha Vajiralongkorn represented by the head of Thailand's Privy Council.

From innovative curricula to exceptional academic outcomes, these African nations are leading the way in education.

Here are the countries in Africa with the best education systems according to Bscholarly :

Seychelles

Africa is home to a diverse range of education systems, with several countries making significant strides in providing quality education. Among these, Seychelles stands out as the only African nation ranked among the top 50 education systems globally. This island nation has achieved remarkable success in ensuring education for all its citizens, boasting a literacy rate of 95.87%

Tunisia

Tunisia is another notable example, investing 20% of its national budget into education and ranking 71st worldwide. The country has made education compulsory and free up to the secondary level, reflecting its commitment to educational excellence.

Mauritius

Mauritius offers free education up to the tertiary level and provides free transport to students. Schooling is also compulsory for children up to age 16. The country ranks 74th globally and is known for its high-quality vocational training programmes. Additionally, Mauritian students consistently achieve top rankings globally each year in the Cambridge International O Level exams.

South Africa

South Africa has a literacy rate of 94% and ranks 84th globally and 4th in Africa in education. The country invests heavily in education, dedicating 18% of its budget to the sector. Among sub-Saharan African countries, South Africa boasts one of the highest literacy rates. As of 2019, 95% of the population aged 15 and over are literate.

Algeria

Algeria ranks 5th in Africa with a literacy rate of 75%. Education in the country is free and compulsory for children aged 6 to 15. The country has further made significant strides in improving access and quality by offering higher education through 92 post-secondary institutions, including 48 universities.

Botswana

Botswana ranks 92nd globally in education, 76th in Africa for school life expectancy, and 67th in Africa for educational staff training. With a literacy rate of 88% and a score of 56.7 points, these achievements reflect Botswana's commitment to compulsory education for citizens aged 4 to 18, encouraging widespread educational attainment.

Kenya

Kenya, located in eastern Africa, has made significant efforts towards educational growth and development. This dedication has earned it the 95th spot in the global education rankings, with a literacy rate of 78.7%. Education in Kenya is compulsory for children aged 6 to 17 years.

Cape Verde

Cape Verde, an island nation in the central Atlantic Ocean, has recently made significant improvements to its educational system. The government provides free education for citizens aged 12 and older and mandates education for children aged 6 to 14 years. The country ranks 98th globally in education.

When results were announced on June 4, it was revealed that an unprecedented 67 students had achieved a perfect score of 720 . Since 2016, when NEET became the official entrance exam for medical colleges in India, only one to three students per year have achieved full marks, and some years none at all. Additionally, there was a significant increase in the number of candidates scoring between 650 and 680 marks, further intensifying the competition for seats in India’s top medical colleges.

In response, students and parents have demanded a re-test, and dozens of petitions have been filed in court. The National Testing Agency (NTA), the government organization responsible for conducting some of India's biggest exams, has denied allegations of paper leaks. However, Federal Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan acknowledged that "some irregularities" had been discovered in certain exam centres, stating that no one, including NTA officials, would be spared if irregularities were confirmed.

Despite these assurances, the situation offers little consolation for students who spend months or even years preparing for this highly competitive exam. Every year, tens of millions of students in India aspire to gain admission to reputable medical or engineering colleges, professions that command significant respect and promise steady, long-term income in a country facing a jobs crisis.

This year, an astounding 2.4 million students competed for just 110,000 available seats in the NEET exam, highlighting the intense pressure and fierce competition faced by aspiring candidates. Of these seats, 55,000-60,000 are in government-run colleges, while the remainder are offered by private institutions. Additionally, half of the seats are reserved for underprivileged students.

These students look forward to the exam, as success or failure could essentially decide their future in a country grappling with a slowing economy and very few opportunities for young graduates. The stakes of these exams are high because only an impressive score will guarantee admission to the country's top universities. The exam includes subjects such as Chinese literature, math, English, physics, chemistry, politics, and history. Authorities have implemented various measures to maintain order and stability around the examination sites.

According to the state news agency Xinhua, traffic police in Beijing appeared on the streets as early as 6 a.m. to smooth and reduce traffic flow around a school near the Summer Palace, a famous scenic spot popular with tourists.

Furthermore, the whole society seems mobilised to lend a helping hand to the gaokao candidates. In Beijing, 58,000 candidates are taking the gaokao exams at 100 test centres. The exams started on Wednesday and will end on Saturday. City authorities have banned construction sites from working at night, and those within a 500-meter radius of any test centre will also suspend operations during the day.

In Shanghai, taxi dispatch centres began accepting bookings for students taking the exam a week in advance. Many Chinese celebrities, and even some international stars, have posted on social media, wishing the exam takers good luck.