Educational Challenges and Schooling Gaps among Migrant Children in Irregular Status in Ecuadorian Border Zones

Abstract

Education is recognized as a universal human right, yet its full realization is jeopardized for migrant populations in irregular conditions. In Ecuador’s border regions, migrant children and adolescents face structural barriers that hinder their access and continuity in the school system. Lack of official documentation, discrimination, economic precariousness, and limited educational infrastructure generate vulnerabilities that extend beyond individual circumstances, highlighting systemic and institutional shortcomings. Moreover, the complexities of migration intensify challenges related to cultural integration and adaptation, directly affecting learning outcomes and overall well-being. In light of this situation, inclusive public policies become imperative to ensure the right to education without discrimination, while strengthening inter-institutional collaboration and community engagement. This analysis seeks to provide academic evidence that makes visible the reality of migrant children, encouraging critical reflection on educational inclusion mechanisms within border contexts.