Colombia's Education Ministry reports nearly 50,000 in literacy programs

The Colombian Ministry of Education announced that 49,450 people are currently enrolled in government‑sponsored literacy programs across the country. The initiative targets the 5.11 % of Colombians who remain illiterate and aims to improve basic reading, writing and mathematics skills, as well as civic participation.

The effort is split between formal and informal education. Formal programs received 20.522 billion pesos to serve 21,130 participants in the Special Integrated First Academic Cycle (CLEI 1), operating in public schools and through partnerships with territorial authorities and accredited universities. Beneficiaries are located in departments such as Amazonas, Arauca, Bolívar, Cauca, Chocó, Córdoba, La Guajira, Nariño, Norte de Santander, Tolima and Valle del Cauca, plus the Special District of Buenaventura.

Informal programs were allocated 18.220 billion pesos, reaching 23,320 youths, adults and seniors in urban, rural and dispersed areas of ten departments, using adapted methodologies to suit local cultural and geographic conditions.