Migrantes haitianos en el sistema educacional chileno: la barrera lingüística y su afectación social

Abstract

This article examines the linguistic and social barriers faced by Haitian migrants recently incorporated into the Chilean educational system, particularly those stemming from their limited command of Spanish and the absence of an inclusive language policy. The emblematic case of Joane Florvil, a Haitian migrant who died in state custody in 2017, highlights the structural consequences of this institutional gap. The Chilean context is also contrasted with the model adopted by the Council of Europe, where migration policies include linguistic and civic support to facilitate social integration—an approach that, nonetheless, has drawn criticism due to housing policies that promote the spatial segregation of migrants. Finally, the article discusses local Chilean initiatives such as the Preferential School Subsidy Law (Ley SEP), School Improvement Plans (PME), and Technical Educational Assistance, which represent initial steps toward more equitable linguistic inclusion.