Cundinamarca orders closure of school linked to Valeria Afanador case

The Cundinamarca Governorate has ordered the cancellation of the operating license for Gimnasio Campestre Los Laureles Bilingüe in Cajicá. The decision follows the August 2025 disappearance and subsequent death of 10-year-old Valeria Afanador, who was found dead in a nearby river 15 days after vanishing from the school premises.

The Secretary of Education of Cundinamarca declared the institution administratively responsible for serious failures, including breaches of duty of care, inadequate security protocols, and a failure to provide specialized supervision for the student, who had Down syndrome. Authorities noted the minor was in a state of reinforced vulnerability due to her age, gender, and disability.

The closure will not be immediate; it is set to take effect after the conclusion of the 2026 academic calendar to prevent abrupt disruption for students. The school's principal must submit a student relocation plan by October 31. Additionally, the case has been referred to the Attorney General's Office to determine if criminal conduct occurred.