Ilva Myriam Hoyos Castañeda takes helm of Colombia Education Ministry

President Abelardo de la Espriella has appointed Ilva Myriam Hoyos Castañeda to lead the Colombian Ministry of Education. She replaces Vivian Morales, who resigned for personal reasons. The president stated that Hoyos is distinguished by her talent, integrity, and defense of values.

In her new role, Hoyos will oversee several pending measures. These include a review of school textbooks to remove certain ideologies and a draft decree that would allow private entities, such as religious organizations, to help provide or manage educational services in areas where the state has limited presence. Father Edilberto Estupiñán, director of the Bishops’ Conference Department of Education, told EWTN News that the Church is interested in these developments because religious, moral, and ethical education have not received sufficient attention in recent years.

The appointment has faced criticism from leftist groups and former President Gustavo Petro. This opposition stems from Hoyos's previous work with Alejandro Ordóñez, the current ambassador to the Organization of American States and an opponent of abortion. Additionally, Hoyos must address declining educational quality following recent national test results.