EDUCATIONAL GAPS IN THE COLOMBIAN COUNTRYSIDE: ACCESSIBILITY, RETENTION, AND QUALITY IN RURAL EDUCATION

Abstract

The study analyzes educational gaps in the Colombian rural context, focusing on key dimensions such as accessibility, permanence, and quality. Through a narrative review of existing literature, the main factors limiting the right to education in rural areas are identified, showing significant disparities compared to the urban context. These include the lack of adequate infrastructure, internet connectivity, low coverage at secondary and higher education levels, and a disconnect between curricular content and rural realities. Additionally, the study addresses how the traditional educational model has been imposed from an urban perspective, often overlooking the value of rural culture, practices, and knowledge. The research proposes shifting towards a more contextualized, participatory, and flexible educational approach that values rural conditions as sources of knowledge and encourages young people's commitment to their communities. Finally, it emphasizes the need to strengthen teacher training with a rural focus, increase public investment to improve infrastructure and resource availability, and build stronger alliances with communities to ensure that education is not only a right but a real tool for social transformation. The study also notes limitations such as the lack of more recent local data and suggests future research through comparative analysis across specific rural regions of the country.