The Ministry of Education of Peru announced on Apr. 28 the launch of the twenty-second National School Mathematics Olympiad Aceros Arequipa 2026, aiming to involve more than 1.7 million secondary students from public and private schools across the country, with total prizes amounting to S/81,000.
This initiative is considered significant because it seeks to identify and support talented students in mathematics, offering them opportunities regardless of their background and enabling them to represent Peru in international competitions.
During the launch event, Vice Minister of Pedagogical Management Gerber Sergio Pérez Postigo said that the competition reaffirms a commitment to providing opportunities for all students. “This olympiad promotes that our students participate in international competitions such as Australia and France, and—in previous editions—they have brought us gold medals because we have students with great talents. For this reason, we need to multiply these contests in partnership with business sectors,” Pérez Postigo said.
The National School Mathematics Olympiad has been held for over two decades and consists of four stages: school-level, UGEL (Local Educational Management Unit), DRE (Regional Directorate), and national level. Its main objective is to strengthen key skills like logical thinking, creativity, problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and student camaraderie through healthy competition.
A new feature for this year is the Teacher Strengthening Plan ONEM which will provide ongoing training aimed at improving mathematics teaching at the secondary level. The program will offer face-to-face support for 480 teachers across six regions as well as virtual sessions expected to reach more than 3,000 teachers nationwide per session.
Pérez Postigo called on educational institutions, teachers, and students throughout Peru to join this new edition: “We urge our students to continue participating; our teachers and administrators should keep promoting the contest. I am sure that teacher support is important for discovering and enhancing new talents among our youth.”
The Ministry also promotes sports opportunities as part of its educational initiatives according to its official website. It advances cultural well-being by promoting equity and eliminating discrimination in education according to its official website. The ministry operates from a central headquarters in San Borja alongside regional directorates throughout Peru according to its official website.
As a key entity within the Peruvian Executive Branch according to its official website, it ensures access to quality education while fostering social inclusion according to its official website. The ministry serves communities nationwide according to its official website.
Founded in 1837 with autonomous status according to its official website, the Ministry oversees national education policy supporting teacher development and partnerships aimed at promoting equity.
