# Educational systemic crises in South America

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/educational-systemic-crises-in-south-america
> Updated: 2026-09-08T23:25:34.000Z. Sources: 12. Developments: 3.

Educational systems in Colombia, Peru, and Chile are facing diverse systemic crises involving security, specialized support, and infrastructure.

In Colombia, the situation is characterized by both physical security threats and emotional strain. Armed conflict and the presence of explosives in departments like Huila have forced school suspensions and required military intervention. Simultaneously, schools are dealing with a “silent crisis” of emotional and relational difficulties, as students face domestic violence and teachers suffer from burnout.

In Peru, challenges involve systemic barriers to justice regarding sexual violence against Awajun girls, as well as critical infrastructure failures. In the Huánuco region, a school in Colpa Baja faces potential collapse due to deep cracks in support columns and ceilings, with fissures reported between 5 and 10 centimeters thick. The Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office is investigating the facility’s 2017 construction.

In Chile, the crisis encompasses special educational needs (SEN) and growing infrastructure emergencies. While the early stimulation system remains overwhelmed by a lack of specialized professionals, schools are also facing sanitary crises. In Iquique, the República de Croacia School suspended classes after rains caused sewage to leak into courtyards, a situation the Local Public Education Service (SLEP) Iquique noted is difficult to resolve due to a lack of financial and human resources.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-08: Infrastructure crises disrupt schooling in Chile and Peru

Schools in Chile and Peru face severe crises, including sewage leaks in Iquique and structural collapse risks in Huánuco, due to inadequate infrastructure and funding.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/infrastructure-crises-disrupt-schooling-in-chile-and-peru

### 2026-08-25: Educational systems face crises in special needs support and emotional well-being

Schools in Chile and Colombia face systemic crises involving inadequate support for special educational needs and rising emotional exhaustion among both students and teachers.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/educational-systems-face-crises-in-special-needs-support-and-emotional-well-being

### 2026-08-22: Security and staffing challenges impact education in Colombia and Peru

Security threats and armed conflict are disrupting schooling in Huila, Colombia, while linguistic barriers and teacher shortages hinder reports of violence against Awajun girls in Peru.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/security-and-staffing-challenges-impact-education-in-colombia-and-peru

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Cite as: Educational systemic crises in South America. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/educational-systemic-crises-in-south-america