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Artículo de Susan Lavado, Communications Officer for RET Peru

LIMA, PERU – In a context marked by deep educational gaps—driven by migration, gender inequality, and a lack of adaptation of the education system to cultural diversity—RET in Peru has launched an innovative School Reinforcement Strategy called DIVERTICLASES. This initiative is part of the Multi-Year Resilience Programme (MYRP) Aprender Sin Barreras (Learning Without Barriers), funded by Education Cannot Wait (ECW) and implemented in partnership with ASOVENTRU, Plan International, and UNESCO.

Aligned with the Peruvian Ministry of Education’s learning recovery strategy, this initiative seeks not only to strengthen communication and math competencies but also to create inclusive, safe, and emotionally supportive learning environments for more than 5,000 migrant, refugee, and host community children and adolescents in Lima Metropolitan Area and Trujillo.

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A pedagogical approach focused on diversity

The strength of the strategy lies in its pedagogical approach: the Universal Design for Learning (UDL). This methodology acknowledges that each student learns differently and proposes multiple means of engagement, representation, and expression. The result is a flexible learning environment tailored to individual needs—especially effective for students with disabilities or those in vulnerable situations.

Each of the 16 sessions is designed to foster independent learning, active participation, teamwork, and cultural expression. The strategy culminates in the creation of a collective final product that showcases skill development and promotes transformative action with a focus on equality and inclusion.

Equality, Inclusion, and Interculturality as core pillars

Innovation goes beyond pedagogy. The program incorporates materials and activities that challenge gender stereotypes and promote respect for diversity. Migrant girls—particularly at risk of school dropout—are at the heart of this strategy. Through flexible schedules, emotional support, and inspirational role models in learning materials, the strategy aims to improve their retention and academic performance.

Content also includes messages against xenophobia, emphasizes the value of interculturality, and promotes human rights from an early age—fostering social cohesion among migrant and host community students.

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Community impact and institutional commitment

The strategy is being implemented in 42 targeted educational institutions across Lima and Trujillo with the support of a team of tutors trained in gender equality and inclusion. Each session becomes a safe space not only for learning but for building community, boosting self-esteem, and strengthening the connection between schools, families, and students.

It also includes monitoring tools, entry and exit assessments, and a solid validation structure in collaboration with educational authorities. In addition, participating schools receive recognition and support kits, reinforcing their role in promoting inclusive education.

More than reinforcement—An educational transformation

The DIVERTICLASES School Reinforcement Strategy, under the MYRP Aprender Sin Barreras, offers an innovative and comprehensive response to a complex reality. By focusing on the most vulnerable students and offering context-sensitive solutions, RET demonstrates that bridging educational gaps with a human, cultural, and rights-based approach is not only possible—but impactful.

A proven strategy with measurable results Since 2021, RET has implemented DIVERTICLASES in regions such as Tumbes and Lima, directly benefiting around 3,000 girls, boys, and adolescents. These results reaffirm the effectiveness of the model and its ability to adapt to diverse contexts, establishing it as an innovative educational initiative with a real impact on the most vulnerable communities in the country.

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