But Lina Prieto had won a spot in the writing program at Colombia’s most prestigious public university. But as the pandemic grips the region, killing hundreds of thousands and devastating economies, an alarming reversal is underway: Millions of university students are leaving their studies, according to the Inter-American Development Bank. Unable to pay tuition, she dropped out — and lost her daughter’s spot at the university’s preschool as well. The expansion allowed millions from previously excluded groups, including Indigenous, rural and Black students, to go to college. Some public universities have been able to cover tuition for all students, at least for the semester.

Source: bd News24 September 04, 2020 12:00 UTC