Chilean digital education programs face potential budget cuts

The potential removal of the ‘Yo Elijo Mi PC’ program and ICT scholarships from the 2027 Budget in Chile has sparked debate regarding the effectiveness and necessity of digital public policies.

Critics of the program point to evaluations showing no significant impact on grades or school attendance, noting issues with management, targeting, and pedagogical integration. While the program provided vulnerable families with essential hardware, experts argue that providing computers without digital literacy, teacher training, and connectivity fails to create a complete digital ecosystem.

Conversely, supporters argue that withdrawing funding could widen the digital divide. They emphasize that for students in rural areas or low-income households, access to a computer is a vital tool for equality of opportunity, especially as modern education increasingly relies on digital platforms and internet connectivity.