A recent analysis by the Educational Economics Laboratory of the Javeriana University reveals that Colombia faces a significant challenge in its educational system, marked by the constant reduction of the school-age population and the closure of educational facilities. According to projections, by 2070, the school-age population will decrease to 13.9%, compared to 25% in 2024.
(Read: Almost 150 photo cameras could be turned off in December if permits are not renewed)
The report indicates that enrollment in preschool, basic and secondary education reached the lowest figure in years in 2023, with 9.5 million students. This represents a drop of 1.9% compared to 2022, the largest reduction in recent times. This trend has been exacerbated by the decline in the number of births, which in 2023 reached a record low of 510,748, a decrease of 11% compared to 2022 and 24.5% compared to 2012.
(Read: RCN Televisión SA will be investigated by the CRC due to legal breaches)
Closure of educational venues
Education
iStock
Since 2018, About 12% of the country’s educational centers (private and official) have closed, which translates into 6,263 inactive schools, of which 2,446 are private and 3,817 are public. This reflects a crisis in the educational offer that, if not addressed, could worsen the situation of school dropouts and the lack of access to quality education.
(Read: Singer Liam Payne, former member of One Direction, has died)
The study indicates that, between 2019 and 2023, the number of educational centers It decreased by 0.7%, equivalent to 379 fewer institutions. In 2023, at least 3,021 locations were inactive, highlighting the urgency of addressing this issue.
Impact on the educational system
Education
iStock
Gloria Bernal, director of the Education Economics Laboratory, warns that the decrease in births worldwide affects educational demand. With fewer children, enrollments tend to decline, directly affecting the income of educational institutions, which in turn can lead to school closures.
This situation not only impacts teaching and administrative staff, who may become unemployed, but also students, who could face difficulties in continuing their education if their schools close. The lack of nearby educational options increases the risk of dropping out of school, a worrying phenomenon in a context where a downward trend in enrollment is already observed.
(Read: Sena opens call to create companies: up to $100 million in financing)
The report concludes that it is essential that the education system adapts to the challenges posed by this demographic transition.
PORTFOLIO
