Lima, Peru – October 26, 2026 – The National School Mathematics Olympiad (ONEM) Aceros Arequipa, a beacon of educational advancement in Peru, has successfully concluded its 2026 edition. This monumental initiative, a testament to a powerful tripartite alliance between Corporación Aceros Arequipa (CAASA), the Ministry of Education (Minedu), and Empresarios por la Educación (ExE), has once again demonstrated its profound impact on the nation’s youth. Reaching an astonishing over 1.7 million students across all 26 regions of Peru, the ONEM Aceros Arequipa continues to be a cornerstone in fostering mathematical prowess and expanding learning horizons for students in both public and private educational institutions. The culmination of this year’s rigorous competition was celebrated with a vibrant closing and awards ceremony held at the scenic Centro Vacacional Huampaní.
Unveiling the Scope and Significance of ONEM Aceros Arequipa
For 22 consecutive years, the ONEM Aceros Arequipa has stood as a premier academic competition, engaging students from the first to the fifth year of secondary education. Its core mission transcends mere problem-solving; it is dedicated to cultivating critical thinking, logical reasoning, analytical skills, and a robust capacity for problem resolution. These competencies are not only indispensable for academic success but are also foundational for navigating the complexities of future professional endeavors and for shaping a generation poised to drive the nation’s development.
The sheer scale of the ONEM Aceros Arequipa is a powerful indicator of its success. The 2026 edition alone saw over 1.7 million students embrace the challenge, stepping forward to test their mettle and hone their mathematical understanding. This broad participation underscores the program’s effectiveness in reaching diverse student populations and igniting a passion for a subject often perceived as daunting.
A Presidential Endorsement: Championing the Power of Mathematics
The significance of the ONEM Aceros Arequipa was underscored by the presence and heartfelt endorsement of the President of Peru, Keiko Fujimori, at the closing ceremony. Her address highlighted the transformative power of mathematics beyond mere numerical computation.
"This initiative has successfully engaged one million seven hundred thousand students who dared to test their knowledge," stated President Fujimori. "Mathematics not only deals with numbers; it provides us with mental structure and enables us to find solutions. Therefore, beyond recognizing the winners, we must value the learning and preparation of all participants, because that effort makes them better students and prepares them for life. I commend this joint effort between the private sector, the Ministry of Education, and all participants, because the incredible thing is to see how this initiative continues to motivate so many students to develop their capabilities."
The President’s words resonate deeply, emphasizing that the true victory of the ONEM lies not solely in the accolades bestowed upon the top performers, but in the collective growth and expanded potential of every student who engages with the competition. Her recognition of the collaborative spirit behind the ONEM is a powerful affirmation of its sustainability and ongoing relevance.
Deepening the Impact: Pedagogical Enrichment and Teacher Development
Beyond the competitive arena, the ONEM Aceros Arequipa is committed to a holistic approach that includes significant investment in pedagogical enhancement and teacher training. This dual focus ensures that the ripple effect of the Olympiad extends far beyond the participating students, empowering educators to adopt more effective teaching methodologies.
In the 2026 edition, this commitment materialized through 18 in-person workshops conducted across the regions of Amazonas, Ica, Lima Metropolitana, Loreto, Madre de Dios, and Ucayali. These hands-on sessions were instrumental in shaping the pedagogical approaches of 436 teachers, equipping them with innovative strategies to foster mathematical understanding in their classrooms.
Complementing these in-person efforts, 13 virtual workshops were held, attracting an impressive audience of 20,000 teachers and students who participated in live sessions. The reach of these online initiatives was further amplified through the extensive sharing of educational content across various digital platforms, garnering an estimated 150,000 views. This blended learning approach ensures that the benefits of the ONEM are disseminated widely, transcending geographical limitations and catering to diverse learning preferences.
A Minister’s Vision: Forging Partnerships for Educational Excellence
The Minister of Education, José Antonio Chang, articulated a clear vision for the ONEM Aceros Arequipa, emphasizing the synergistic power of public-private collaboration in unlocking student potential.
"These Olympiads demonstrate that, when we join forces between the private sector and the Ministry of Education, we can create opportunities for thousands of students to test their knowledge and develop their talent," declared Minister Chang. "I want to congratulate not only those who achieved first place but also all the finalists and participants, because behind every achievement there is discipline, effort, and a passion for learning. Just as we demand of our youth, we must also recognize and reward their capabilities."
Minister Chang’s statement underscores the Minedu’s commitment to nurturing an educational ecosystem where academic excellence is both challenged and celebrated. The recognition of all participants, not just the victors, reflects a philosophy that values the journey of learning and the dedication inherent in striving for improvement.
The Pinnacle of Competition: National Finals and Recognition
The 2026 ONEM Aceros Arequipa culminated in a highly competitive national final, bringing together 237 bright young minds from across Peru’s 26 diverse regions. This convergence of talent represented the culmination of regional and local competitions, showcasing the nation’s most promising mathematical minds.
During the solemn closing ceremony at Centro Vacacional Huampaní, the Ministry of Education formally recognized the outstanding achievements of 72 students. These accolades were awarded in the form of gold, silver, and bronze medals, meticulously distributed across three distinct competition levels, reflecting the rigorous evaluation criteria employed throughout the Olympiad. Furthermore, the Minedu extended its appreciation to the dedicated teachers who served as advisors, as well as to the educational institutions that fostered the participants’ growth, acknowledging their pivotal role in nurturing this talent.
Rewarding Excellence: Prizes and Strategic Investment
The ONEM Aceros Arequipa believes in tangible recognition for the dedication and hard work of its participants. The winning students were bestowed with valuable prizes designed to further support their academic pursuits, including state-of-the-art computers, tablets, and essential study materials.
Corporación Aceros Arequipa, in its role as a principal sponsor, further distinguished the top four participants in each competitive level, recognizing their exceptional performance and commitment. This multi-faceted approach to awards ensures that a broad spectrum of achievement is acknowledged and rewarded.
The entire ONEM Aceros Arequipa initiative represents a significant investment of S/ 1.3 million. This substantial financial commitment underscores the organization’s unwavering dedication to fostering mathematical talent and strengthening the broader educational landscape of Peru. This investment is not merely financial; it is an investment in the future potential of the nation.
A Corporate Vision: Cultivating Talent for a Brighter Future
Juan Manuel Otoya, Corporate Manager of Human Management at Aceros Arequipa, articulated the company’s profound belief in the potential of Peruvian youth and its commitment to nurturing that talent.
"We believe that behind every student, there is a talent that deserves the opportunity to grow," stated Otoya. "We are filled with pride to be part of an initiative that inspires young people to trust their abilities, take on new challenges, and discover all that they can achieve through education."
This sentiment highlights Aceros Arequipa’s understanding that investing in education is investing in human capital, the most valuable resource for any nation’s progress. Their sponsorship of the ONEM is a clear demonstration of their corporate social responsibility and their long-term vision for a more skilled and innovative Peru.
The Broader Implications: Building a Nation of Innovators
The systematic strengthening of mathematical abilities through initiatives like the ONEM Aceros Arequipa is intrinsically linked to Peru’s capacity for innovation, problem-solving, and its ability to effectively confront the complex challenges of the future. By equipping students with advanced analytical and critical thinking skills, the program directly contributes to building a more resilient and forward-thinking nation.
The enduring partnership between Corporación Aceros Arequipa, the Ministry of Education, and Empresarios por la Educación serves as a powerful model for how collaborative efforts can drive meaningful progress in education. By joining forces, these entities are not only recognizing the exceptional talent of Peruvian students but are actively creating pathways for them to thrive, ultimately contributing to the comprehensive development and prosperity of Peru. The ONEM Aceros Arequipa is more than just a competition; it is a catalyst for change, shaping a generation equipped to lead Peru into a future of innovation and success.
