Empty Desks, the Paradox of Education in Colombia
Students of the calendar prepare to go to school. Photo: iStock
TL;DR
- Colombia's birth rate has decreased by 34% in 10 years, leading to school closures due to a perceived lack of students.
- Despite school closures, 700,000 to 900,000 children (0-17 years) and a similar number of young adults (18-21 years) are not studying.
- Reasons for not attending school include the need to work, economic barriers, and lack of interest, particularly affecting older children and adolescents.
- The article advocates for a radical reform focusing on early childhood education, reading comprehension, and making schools more attractive and pertinent.
- Proposed reforms include shifting from memorization to skills like discipline, creativity, problem-solving, and resilience, preparing students for the AI era.
- Secondary and middle education should emphasize emotional maturity, autonomy, critical thinking, and prepare students for both university and employment.
- Higher education needs more flexible, personalized, and employment-relevant programs, potentially utilizing AI for tailored learning experiences.
- The overall goal is to ensure more young people complete their education by modernizing, innovating, and prioritizing education to face technological change.