Civil conflict and education: how does exposure to civil conflict affect human capital accumulation? Evidence from standardized exit exams in Colombia

The objective of this research is to better understand the relationship between civil conflict and the educational achievement of students who take part in the formal education system in Colombia through the use of econometric tools. The results suggest that it is possible that students who are facing difficulties associated to the internal armed conflict successfully continue with their studies, but they need a special follow up. Policy makers should work in the creation of new and better incentives to retain these students. More governmental resources should be spent in order to meet their special needs (i.e. psychological help, school supplies, special remedial tutorials) and supervise their academic progress at educational institutions.