The displacement of thousands of children across Colombia as a result of the armed conflict is one of the most pressing and challenging issues facing the nation today.   In addition to their inability to maintain a stable living situation, these children who fall victims are poorand oftentimes are forced to work at a young age. Consequently, they are unable to begin and complete their formal education.

The gravity of this situation has forced The National Ministry of Education (MEN) to take steps to combat this problem. The Ministry has been implementing strategies aimed at the integration, socialization, and education of displaced children from five to seventeen years of age. One of these strategies is the implementation of the well-acknowledged model “Aceleración del aprendizaje”.

This model is meant for children between the ages of 10 to 17 who have dropped-out of school without completing elementary-level education. In addition to a basic understanding of reading and math concepts, this model places emphasis on the building of self-esteem and the belief that each one of them holds the capacity to learn. The purposes of this program are to reintroduce the students into the regular education system in the grade that corresponds to their age, or in a more advanced level according to each student’s capacities, and to guarantee their permanence in school.  

The different strategies implemented by the MEN have benefited thousands of children across Colombia. Through the efforts of these programs, the hope is that all children who have been victimized by the terrible armed conflict might have a greater chance for successful and productive lives.

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