Will there be virtual classes due to El Niño? Minedu clarifies when this measure would be applied

Peru's Ministry of Education (Minedu) is prioritizing in-person classes and has dismissed the idea of widespread virtual learning due to the looming threat of the El Niño phenomenon. The ministry confirmed that remote learning would only be a last resort, implemented only if all other options for maintaining face-to-face instruction are exhausted.

Miguel Antonio Gonzales Lara, head of Minedu's National Office for Disaster Risk Management, explained that the ministry's strategy focuses on three key areas: safeguarding students and teachers, ensuring the uninterrupted delivery of educational services, and promptly addressing damage caused by heavy rains and floods. This approach aims to protect the educational community and maintain learning continuity.

Before resorting to virtual classes, Minedu will coordinate with regional governments to find temporary alternative spaces for students. These could include community centers, sports coliseums, or other nearby educational institutions. The ministry is also evaluating the possibility of advancing the end of the school year for High Performance Schools (COAR) in regions expected to be most affected. Currently, 7,400 educational institutions are identified as vulnerable to increased rainfall and flooding.

Minedu is also developing a mobile application for school principals to report emergencies directly to local educational management units (UGEL) and the Emergency Operations Center. The ministry's preparedness plan includes strict sanitary protocols for the return of animals to the exhibition, with measures like foot baths and one-way circulation to prevent the spread of microorganisms.