Access to education is a fundamental human right, yet for many children living in low-income communities on the outskirts of Lima, Peru, attending school is a daily struggle. In these areas, such as Union Santa Fe, the reality of education access paints a stark picture of the challenges faced by families striving to ensure their children receive an education.
Education in Peru is governed by a national educational system that aims to provide quality education to all children. However, the reality on the ground reveals significant disparities, particularly in low-income communities. For the children in these communities, access to schools is limited, and the journey to education is fraught with obstacles.
In Union Santa Fe and similar communities, schools in Peru are often located far from residential areas, requiring children to undertake long and arduous journeys to reach them. For many students, this means walking several kilometers each day, navigating dangerous roads, steep hills, and unpredictable weather conditions. The distance between homes and schools poses a significant barrier to education, particularly for younger children who may struggle to make the journey alone.

Moreover, the few schools available in these areas often cannot accommodate all the children seeking an education. With limited capacity, schools must enforce strict enrolment limits, leaving many families without options for their children’s schooling. To secure a spot in these schools, parents often resort to extreme measures, such as camping out and waiting in line for days, hoping for a chance to register their child for the upcoming academic year, and still sometimes being turned away.
The situation is exacerbated by the fact that there is often only one school serving a large population of children. In Union Santa Fe, for example, there is typically only one primary school available for the entire community. This concentration of educational resources creates intense competition and further limits access to education for those living in the surrounding areas.
The challenges of accessing education in Lima’s low-income communities highlight systemic issues within the educational system in Peru. While efforts have been made to improve access to education nationwide, unjust disparities persist, particularly in marginalized areas where resources are scarce. Addressing these disparities requires a multifaceted approach that prioritizes investment in infrastructure, expansion of educational facilities, and equitable distribution of resources.
MEDLIFE recognizes the importance of education in breaking the cycle of poverty and works to address the challenges faced by children and families in accessing quality education. Through initiatives such as school construction projects, educational workshops, and community outreach programs, MEDLIFE aims to improve education access and quality in underserved communities in Peru.
By advocating for educational equity and investing in the future of Peru’s children, we are working to encourage a more inclusive and prosperous society. However, much work remains to be done to ensure that every child in Peru has the opportunity to receive a quality education and realize their full potential.
To learn how you can assist low-income communities in accessing education, healthcare, and infrastructure, fill out the interest form below or download our free Service Learning Trip brochure!