In Colombia, addressing the needs of out-of-school children and youth presents a significant challenge. To investigate potential solutions, the Accelerating Change for Children’s and Youths’ Education through Systems Strengthening (ACCESS) research project, led by the University of Auckland in collaboration with the AEWG and funded by Dubai Cares under E-Cubed, conducted its initial phase of research in the country. This report focuses on the opportunities and challenges surrounding the support of out-of-school children and youth through Accelerated Education Programmes (AEPs).
The research aimed to explore two key questions:
Through an extensive review of data and documentation on existing flexible education models (FEMs) in Colombia, along with an examination of national education policies and legislative frameworks and interviews with key stakeholders, several key findings emerged:
While the findings highlight the potential of FEMs to address the needs of out-of-school children and youth in Colombia, addressing the identified challenges will be essential for their successful implementation and scalability. Continued collaboration between stakeholders and sustained efforts to raise awareness and mobilize resources will be crucial in advancing the agenda of ensuring inclusive access to education for all.