CCIAP: the fight against school leaving is everyone’s responsibility

The Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture of Panama (CCIAP) believes that school dropout in Panama remains a cause for concern and although the figures show a slight improvement compared to the previous year, they are still alarming: the total 9,145 of students who left the education system during the 2023 school year, which represents 1.3% of the total number of enrolled students. 706,537 students.

For the union, every student who leaves school is a significant loss for the education system and for the future of the country. Dropping out or being excluded from education also reveals the difficulties that Panama faces and will face when competing in a very demanding international environment.

They explain that if for nearly 10,000 young people the alternative is to stop studying, we obviously have a problem; since experts have shown a direct correlation between years of education, salary compensation and quality of life.

“Education is the foundation on which the personal and professional development of each individual and the economic and social progress of the country is built. “Every student who leaves school early faces an uncertain future, with limited opportunities and a greater risk of falling into poverty or marginalization,” adds CCIAP.

According to data from Ministry of Education (Meduca)more than 20,000 student repeated the year, more than 26,000 some subject and more than 36,000 They participated in academic recovery programs.

“These numbers highlight the urgent need to implement effective strategies to prevent exclusion from education and support those students who are at risk of leaving school,” they argue.

According to the CCIAP, it is critical to address the root causes of dropping out, which can range from academic difficulties and lack of family support to socioeconomic and cultural issues.

Likewise, they believe that it is necessary to build a safe educational environment, as well as support and guidance programs that help students overcome the challenges they encounter on their school journey.

Except, It is necessary to involve the whole community in promoting the importance of education and in creating opportunities so that all children and young people can realize their full potential. Cooperation between the government, educational institutions, social organizations and parents is essential to solve this problem in a comprehensive and effective way.

The union indicated that the Panamanian private sector is committed and willing to provide support, especially in technical education, which is why within Agenda for the country 2024-2029, gave special importance to this topic. Training in specific technical skills gives young people the opportunity to improve their living conditions, reduce poverty and contribute to the economic development of the country.

They emphasize that cooperation between educational institutions and private companies can create synergy that benefits both the economic and social sectors, hence our open and determined support to various technical educational institutions, Dual professional training; as well as professional practice programs in companies that provide the opportunity to acquire practical experience and skills relevant to the labor market.

Also, they participated in the formation of the Institute for teacher training and care; Because it is imperative that educators have the necessary tools to train the next generation of highly skilled professionals.

“The fight against dropping out of school is not only the responsibility of the education system, but of the entire society. “We all have a role to play in ensuring that every child and adolescent has access to quality education and the opportunity to build a better future for themselves and their country,” concludes CCIAP.