Through a statement, the Colombian Association of Universities (ASCUN) expressed concern about the recent decision of the Colombian Institute for Educational Credit and Technical Studies abroad (Icetex) of Suspend the interest rate subsidy.
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Of a time here, More than 90,000 beneficiaries of educational credits offered by this entity have begun to receive notifications in which it is reported that since last August this support was paused.
In that context, the ASCUN stressed that the determination not only directly affects the permanence of thousands of young people In the higher education system, but also generates “A setback in the construction of a mixed, plural and diverse system.”
The association was already warning of the impact of the dismantling of this type of economic support by the Icetex, emphasizing that its impacts translate into higher costs for households, as well as in the interruption of students’ life projects.
Along the same line, he recalled that although the higher education system in Colombia has been facing challenges related to access, permanence and adaptation to new training modalitiesthis was already showing signs of progressive recovery. So, decision like this could put that process at risk.
“ASCUN recognizes the efforts that have been made within the framework of public policy to expand access to higher education, such as free registration. However, it underlines the importance of maintain The organization highlighted.
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Educational credit
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Called to review
Taking into account the effects of this suspension, ASCUN called on the national government so that this measure is reviewed and corrected. This considering that, if being in force, the impacts on the next academic semester “They will further deepen the difficult situation of students who have not been able to access an educational loan to continue their higher education studies.”
In that order of ideas, the entity requested:
– Official and clearly communicate the measures that will be taken to face this situation and guarantee the academic continuity of the students.
– Ensure that young people with low resources who aspired to enroll in the second half of this year in private universities, They can start or continue their studies.
Education financing
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– Convene the actors of the higher education system to define a responsible transition plan towards the transformation of Icetex, in coherence with the goals of the National Development Plan (PND).
– Provide clarity on the financial and operational sustainability of ICETEX while structural changes are taken, guaranteeing the stability of the system and the confidence of the students.
It should be remembered that on September 3 the Administrative Court of Cundinamarca admitted the compliance action presented by the representative to the Chamber, Catherine Juvinao. This measure seeks to comply with the law and Reactive the interest rates for strata 1, 2 and 3.
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