With 3,000 fewer students than the previous year, the region’s young people’s education is under threat and urgent solutions are being sought to reverse the dire situation.
Figures presented by Julián Fernando Gomez, Tolima’s education minister, in the final stages of collecting statistics for the next school year, show that the sector faces difficult prospects due to high school dropout rates seen in recent years. This situation is alarming because 10th and 11th grade are the most affected by this trend.
In an official statement, the official expressed his concerns: “The problem of dropouts in Tolima is a problem that we must urgently address. We currently have about 138,000 students in the sector, a decrease of 3,000 students. Previous year.
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The phenomenon of dropouts is not limited to the upper grades, with the secretary stressing that there are also worrying trends in the lower grades, resulting in fewer children of school age. This makes it crucial to ensure continuity of education for those already enrolled.
«Sometimes there is high attrition in Year 11, with some young people choosing to enter the job market rather than continuing their studies, but we are also seeing a worrying trend in the lower grades of smaller families.«Julian Gomez stressed.
Authorities in the region are expected to take steps to address the issue, including implementing plans and strategies that encourage staying in school and provide support for students at risk of dropping out.
«It is vital that we work to prevent this figure from falling further, education is a fundamental right for all children and young people and we must ensure they have access to it«, the official concluded.
High school dropout is a challenge that requires the collaboration of communities, families, and educational institutions to ensure that all children and youth have access to a quality education.