Rural educación "viva la escuela"

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed and intensified existing challenges within global and Colombian educational systems, negating decades of reform efforts in mere months. The impact on student learning, especially among younger populations, is expected to persist long-term, as shown by the significant rise in global learning poverty. Reports indicate that 70% of 10-year-olds globally are now unable to read or comprehend text, reflecting a crisis beyond the pandemic itself (CEPAL, 2020; UNESCO, 2020; Educo, 2021). In addition to academic setbacks, the pandemic also amplified socioemotional issues, with 51% of Latin Americans experiencing overcrowded conditions that have adversely affected mental health, increasing exposure to violence among children and youth (World Vision and War Child, 2021). In response, Colombia’s Ministry of National Education launched a volunteer-based educational support program targeting universities and teaching students. This initiative aims to close learning gaps by embedding Dialogical Learning principles in schools, fostering active educational engagement through evidence-based actions (Aubert et al., 2008). University students and final-year teaching students can engage in this program as part of their professional internships, either full-time on-site or part-time in a blended or virtual format provided by the Ministry. This effort seeks to transform schools into pivotal spaces for social and cultural development, fostering a collaborative approach to education in Colombia.