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Although there are numerous studies on the Peruvian Amazon, few offer a comprehensive and integrated analysis of the state of education in this megadiverse and geographically challenging territory.

To address the data and analysis gap, Porticus Latin America and the UNESCO Office in Peru collaborated in the elaboration of a diagnosis on the situation and perspectives of the education systems in the Peruvian Amazon in the year 2022. The objective of this exercise was to better understand the educational reality in this territory, which today is of strategic relevance both nationally and in terms of global environmental sustainability.

To this end, a team of specialists in early childhood, primary and secondary education was formed to compile, systematize and analyze the available information and statistical data. In addition, a representative sampling was carried out to reflect the diversity of Amazonian dynamics at the territorial level, organizing interviews and consultations with various actors in the educational community, in addition to five workshops for the restitution and validation of results.

The first part of this study offers a general overview of education in the Peruvian Amazon and highlights the progress, difficulties and challenges that persist. It has the virtue of organizing the available information on basic education, while integrating data on higher education in a timely manner. The second part systematizes the fieldwork carried out in the three territories chosen for the sample, namely: Imaza and Condorcanqui in the Amazonas region and Manseriche in Loreto, both located in the middle Marañón basin; the Madre de Dios region; and Satipo in the Junín region and Puerto Bermúdez in the Pasco region, located in the central jungle.

It is important to remember that the Peruvian Amazon covers more than 60% of the national territory. Fifteen of the country's 25 regions are Amazonian or have Amazonian areas. This vast territory is home to 51 of Peru's 55 indigenous peoples, who speak 44 of the 48 native languages recognized in the country. The Amazonian indigenous peoples have a very young demographic and practically half of the citizens of this territory are under 15 years of age. Other communities live in the Amazonian space; migrants from other regions of the country and foreigners have settled over the years, creating a rich mosaic of cultural heritages.

In 2023, there were more than 24,100 basic education institutions, 80% of them located in rural areas. The challenges in terms of access, relevance and educational quality continue to be significant, reflected in enrollment, retention, approval and learning acquisition indicators, which are among the lowest in the country. Special mention should be made of the considerable efforts and educational development projects that have been carried out in recent years to address the diversity of contexts, improve access conditions and the quality of education. However, much remains to be done.

We know that education is the main axis for development in any society. We trust that this study will serve as an integrated, evidence-based vision that will contribute to understanding, improving and transforming education systems to ensure quality, relevant and equitable education for children and adolescents in the Amazon region.

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