The low temperatures typical of winter have hit the high Andean regions particularly hard in recent months., raising concerns for the health and well-being of communities, especially the school population. In response to this climate challenge, various public entities and experts have launched actions to address the Extreme cold and minimize their effects on the daily life of these rural territories.
The intense cold of the season forces us to look for immediate and sustainable solutions. to protect students, who often walk long distances and attend classes in unfavorable conditions. Risks associated with frost, such as hypothermia and respiratory illnesses, have prompted a coordinated response in terms of educational infrastructure and housing.
Historic investment to equip schools for extreme cold
Almost three million soles have been allocated to improve the infrastructure of 13 schools located in regions such as Huancavelica, Cusco, Puno, Junín and Lima Provinces, areas characterized by their altitude and regular exposure to extremely low temperatures. National Educational Infrastructure Program (Pronied), through its Maintenance Management Unit, leads the execution of these works that seek to guarantee a school environment safe and comfortable for more than 300 schoolchildren.
Currently, projects are underway at flagship schools in towns such as Acoria, Paucará (Huancavelica); Yurua (Ucayali); San Juan de Jarpa (Junín); Ocongate (Cusco); and several areas of Puno, such as Santa Rosa, Cabana, and Asillo. Other schools in Ccarhuayo (Cusco), Tanta (Yauyos, Lima), Zepita, and San Antón (Puno) are close to starting work, while IE No. 364 in Lampa (Puno) is still in the market research phase.
Technical solutions to combat frost in schools
The thermal conditioning strategy implemented in these schools includes a series of technical innovations that make a difference in protecting against the cold. Thermal insulation is applied to walls, floors, and ceilings; double-glazed windows with laminated glass are installed to prevent the entry of icy drafts; and in the jungle, the ceiling level is raised to improve the thermal comfort of school buildings. Furthermore, the construction of greenhouses within school buildings provides an additional source of heat, while the creation of vestibules as transition zones reduces direct exposure to the freezing air outside.
These thermal conditioning measures are added to the works of comprehensive maintenance, such as interior and exterior repainting, door and window repairs, optimization of electrical and plumbing installations, and the installation of safety signage, emergency lights, fire extinguishers, and evacuation routes to increase the safety of students and teachers.
Innovation and sustainability come to high Andean housing
Beyond interventions in schools, recent efforts in the field of Andean rural housing aim to Innovative solutions What do they use indigenous materials and sustainable techniquesA prominent example is the study presented by architect David Resano and his team at an international conference, which detailed the use of local plant fibers such as sugarcane bagasse to improve the thermal insulation of homes in rural communities in the Peruvian Andes.
These projects seek not only to offer greater thermal comfort, but also to adapt to extreme weather conditions and strengthen families' resilience to the effects of climate change. The use of accessible and sustainable resources helps reduce costs, promote local development, and reduce the ecological footprint of high-rise buildings.
Social impact and institutional commitment
Coordinated interventions between educational entities, regional authorities and universities demonstrate a firm commitment to improving the quality of life in vulnerable areasThe Ministry of Education and specialized agencies have focused their actions on protecting the students most affected by the adverse weather, ensuring both their safety and the continuity of their education despite the low temperatures.
Strategies adopted in high Andean schools and homes They show that, through public investment, technological innovation, and the use of local materials, it is possible to address and mitigate the impact of extreme cold. This contributes to a safer and more sustainable future for communities facing the harsh mountain climate.
