Part 6: Peru’s Military Lockdown: A Lasting Educational Crisis.

Peru’s harsh military-enforced lockdown had devastating effects on education, deepening inequalities and leaving long-term scars on students. Professor Norma Correa Aste, argues school closures were inconsistent, as other sectors remained open, forcing many children to fend for themselves or work in markets instead of learning. Remote education was not an adequate substitute, leading to significant learning losses, especially for the most vulnerable students.

Advocates for school reopening faced intense pushback, including personal attacks and censorship, as the debate over pandemic policies grew more polarised. The discussion also highlighted how emergency orders introduced during the pandemic continue to shape government decision-making and public perception, raising concerns about the future of education policy in Peru.

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About Norma Correa Aste

Professor and Researcher, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú.

Norma is a Peruvian anthropologist specialising in social policy and development. As the mother of two girls, Norma became a high profile advocate for school and university reopening and better pandemic responses for children, youth and vulnerable families in Peru and Latin America.

X (formerly twitter) @nb_correa

About Lucy Johnston

Lucy is Health and Social Affairs editor of the The Sunday Express and also works as a freelance journalist for a range of national print and broadcast press. Previous roles include Assistant Editor at the Big Issue and investigative journalist at the Observer. Lucy had a pivotal role setting up The Big Issue magazine in the UK. 

X (formerly twitter) @thelucyjohnston

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