Campesino Self-Recognition Variable Added to Student Enrollment System (Colombia, June 2026)
Colombia's Integrated Enrollment System, SIMAT, added a campesino(a) variable for student self-recognition. The ministry stated that the change allows more than 400,000 students to be identified in the education data system.
Colombia's Integrated Enrollment System, SIMAT, added a campesino(a) variable for student self-recognition. The ministry stated that the change allows more than 400,000 students to be identified in the education data system.
What Changed?
SIMAT now includes a data field that allows students to self-recognize as campesino(a). This creates an official enrollment-data basis for targeting rural and campesino-focused education measures, including early education with a campesino and territorial approach.
Old System vs New System
SIMAT did not have a dedicated campesino(a) self-recognition field, limiting national enrollment data about campesino students and making targeted planning less precise.
Student enrollment records can now include campesino(a) self-recognition, giving the ministry and territorial education entities a data source for rural identity, planning, and policy targeting.
Who Is Affected?
Student Impact
Students from campesino communities can be reflected in national enrollment data, which may support more targeted education planning for rural identity and territorial needs.
Parent / Family Impact
Rural families gain a formal way for their children's campesino identity to be recognized in the enrollment system.
School / Institution Impact
Schools and territorial entities must ensure the enrollment record captures the new variable correctly and uses it in data reporting.
Teacher / Staff Impact
Teachers in rural and campesino contexts may see future planning and support aligned with more precise student data, but the June update did not create a direct teacher duty beyond data-linked implementation.
Key Dates
- 2026-06-07: ministry announced the SIMAT campesino(a) variable.
What To Do
- Schools should check local SIMAT procedures and ensure enrollment teams know how to record the self-recognition field when families and students provide it.
What To Watch Next
Watch for guidance on data quality, use of the variable in rural education planning, and reporting by territorial education entities.
Global Context
The change is relevant for data-policy comparisons because it links student identity recognition with national enrollment records and education targeting.
Source Record
Source type: Official announcement
Source name: Ministry of National Education of Colombia