Skills Development of Indigenous Children, Youth, and Adults in Latin America and the Caribbean

To promote access to skills development among indigenous populations, education planners require knowledge both about the regions challenges and about policies that hold promise. In this study, we map the state of skill development of indigenous children, youth and adults throughout Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). Based on LAC census data and tests administered at the regional and national levels, as well as prior studies, we identify the main challenges to skills development among LACs indigenous peoples at the five life stagesinfancy/early childhood, childhood and preadolescence, adolescence, young adulthood, and adulthood. We also summarize evidence-based policies and programs that address access and achievement gaps between indigenous and nonindigenous children, youth, and adultsgaps that affect the development of lifelong skills and participation in the labor market. Based on the analysis, we highlight lessons learned and recommend lines of action.