EI stands with the people and education communities of Colombia in the wake of a devastating earthquake
Education International and its regional office for Latin America expressed their solidarity with the people and education communities of Colombia affected by the 7.4-magnitude earthquake that struck the country on Monday, August 10. With the epicenter in the Chocó province, the quake was felt across most of the western part of the country, killing hundreds of people and destroying or damaging thousands of homes, schools, hospitals, and other infrastructure.
UNICEF estimates that over 1,000 schools have been affected, raising concerns about disruptions to learning and access to safe spaces for children.
The full EI statement to its Colombian affiliates, the Asociación Sindical de Profesores Universitarios (ASPU) and the Federación Colombiana de Educadores (FECODE), is available below.
Colombia is not alone
Education International (EI) stands in solidarity with the people of Colombia in the face of the pain caused by the earthquake that struck the country on 10 August. As the global federation representing more than 33 million education workers worldwide, we express our solidarity with the affected people and communities, our affiliates FECODE and ASPU, and all education workers involved in rescue, relief and reconstruction efforts.
Throughout its history, Colombia has faced multiple tragedies and difficult moments, and has always demonstrated solidarity, unity and strength in overcoming adversity. At this time, a collective response and support for affected communities will be essential to advance reconstruction.
We therefore call on the Government of Colombia to guarantee:
- The reconstruction and rehabilitation of affected educational institutions as soon as possible, ensuring that educational communities can resume their activities in safe and appropriate conditions.
- Transparent, responsible and participatory management of public funds allocated to emergency response and reconstruction.
- Conditions to ensure that the vulnerability created by the disaster does not lead to contracts involving inflated costs or conditions that are detrimental to the public interest and the needs of affected communities.
- Job security for teachers and all education workers throughout this period of emergency and recovery.
We also urge the Government to safeguard the continuity of the peace process, particularly in territories that have become isolated.
The educational communities in the affected territories will require much more than the reconstruction of school infrastructure. It will be necessary to have an education system capable of providing care, support and comprehensive educational processes that respond to the needs of children, adolescents, young people and their families. We therefore urge the Government to guarantee positions and jobs for education support personnel, including social workers, psychologists, kitchen staff and other education workers in schools in the hardest-hit areas.
Solidarity among peoples is essential at times like this. We will continue to stand with our affiliates and promote the defense of public education which, even in contexts of emergency and reconstruction, contributes to guaranteeing the rights, dignity and well-being of all people. Colombia is not alone.
