Education System in Peru

Beca 18 is a scholarship program in Peru. It helps students who do not have much money. The scholarship gives them the chance to study at a good university or institute. Beca 18 pays for their studies, books, food, and sometimes even a place to live. This helps students focus on learning, not on money. Many young people in Peru want Beca 18. To apply, students must finish high school and have good grades. They also must come from a low-income family or be in special groups, like poor rural areas or native communities. Beca 18 is from the government. It gives young people hope and a better future.

What are scholarships and why are they important?

A scholarship is money for students to study. Students do not pay it back. Scholarships help students go to school, college, or university. Many students cannot pay for education. Scholarships give them a chance to learn. Scholarships are important because they help people have a better life. With education, students can get good jobs. They can help their families and country. Scholarships open the door to a better future.

University Scholarships vs. Technical Scholarships

A university scholarship is for students who want to study at a university. These studies take 5 years. Students learn to be doctors, engineers, teachers, or lawyers. It is for people who like to study many subjects. A technical scholarship is for students who want to study at a technical institute. These studies take 3 years. Students learn jobs like electricians, nurses, or computer technicians. It is for people who want to work faster and use skills. Both scholarships are good. They help different students. You can choose the best one for you.

Did you know that in Peru, only 22.5% of primary school students achieve a satisfactory level in mathematics, and just 11.3% in secondary school?

These figures reflect a deep crisis in the quality of education in the country, according to the latest report from the OECD and the Ministry of Education.

Additionally, more than 95% of public schools lack adequate infrastructure and full access to basic services, directly impacting the learning of thousands of children and adolescents. The lack of teacher training, regional inequality, and low investment in education are factors that worsen this situation. In fact, 91% of Peruvians believe that the quality of education has not improved in recent years.

But not all is lost. Here we got some ways to transform education in Peru:

Investment in school infrastructure:

Safe, dignified schools with basic services for all students in the country.

Quality teacher training:

Continuous training, motivation, and recognition of professional merit.

Reduction of regional gaps:

Specific policies for rural areas and indigenous communities, respecting their language and culture.

Active participation of the educational community:

Listening to teachers, students, and families to build solutions from the ground up.

Evaluation and planning with an equity focus:

Not just filling classrooms, but ensuring real and sustainable learning outcomes.

It’s time to demand quality education for all, regardless of location or socioeconomic level. Education cannot wait!

In today's post, we are going to talk about one of the most concerning problems in peruvian education.

One of the most important reasons of school dropout in our country is poverty, that forces many children and adolescents to leave school and seek a job to help financially to their families. According to the International Labor Organisation, Child labor is any work activity carried out by a minor child that prevents their normal education and development; sometimes, children even put themselves in danger. INEI in 2022 says that 21.7% of adolescents between 12 and 17 years old drop out of school, especially in rural areas, where the lack of resources is most critical (INEI, National Household Survey). Researcher Hernández (2020) points out that "extreme poverty in regions like Huancavelica and Cajamarca pushes minors into early labor, cutting short their educational development".

Furthermore, infant pregnancy is also causing more school dropouts. The report highlights the case of 1,175 pregnant girls and adolescents, including both Peruvian and foreign students. Additionally, out of 504 educational institutions that reported cases of Peruvian students being victims of sexual violence, it was found that almost non of the institutions asked for any kind of suport to other organisations such as The Women’s Emergency Center or The Special Protection Unit.

What has our country done to stop this?

The Peruvian government has implemented initiatives such as "Qali Warma" (a school feeding program) and "Beca 18" (for higher education), aiming to keep students within the educational system. A study by the Ministry of Education (Minedu, 2023) revealed that school scholarships reduced dropout rates by 15% in rural areas (Minedu, Impact Report on Social Programs). However, expert López (2021) criticizes that "these programs do not always reach the most remote communities, where child labor remains a viable alternative for families" (López, Educational Policies in Peru).