Colombia’s education system faces persistent infrastructure and quality challenges. Nearly half of rural schools lack basic amenities⁴, while urban public schools struggle with overcrowding, limiting individual attention and reducing student engagement. Despite a net primary enrollment rate of 92.92% in 2018¹, quality remains a concern, with roughly 43% of 15-year-olds having repeated a grade¹—reflecting persistent learning difficulties. Colombia ranks near the bottom in the OECD’s PISA assessments², highlighting significant quality gaps. Addressing infrastructure, resources, and instructional quality is crucial to ensuring equitable learning across both urban and rural areas.
Medellín, recognized as one of UNESCO’s top 10 Learning Cities in 2019³, demonstrates a strong civic commitment to education and innovation. While Colombia’s net primary enrollment was about 92.92% in 2018¹, the city has made notable progress in expanding access. However, nearly 65% of public schools—particularly in low-income neighborhoods—struggle with overcrowded classrooms and often rely on double-shift systems³⁵. Limited educational materials, under-equipped classrooms, and scarce recreational spaces further hinder learning and student engagement. Despite Medellín’s global recognition, tackling these persistent infrastructure and resource challenges remains critical to ensuring that every child can thrive academically.
This summer, HXP builders will partner with local community members in Colombia to address these challenges by constructing a dedicated dining hall with kitchen facilities for an overcrowded school. By creating a centralized space for meal preparation and dining, the project will free up existing classrooms and multipurpose areas, allowing schools to better allocate space for instruction and student activities. Final details regarding the number of students who will benefit are being confirmed in collaboration with the school and local partners.
Sources:
¹ Trading Economics
² OECD 2025
³ ACIMedellín
⁴ OECD 2016
⁵ OECD 2018