School Reintegration Program – FNH

Reconnecting Lives, Restoring Educational Futures

This program of Fundación Nuestros Hijos (hereinafter FNH) addresses school dropout among children and youth with cancer or chronic illnesses by providing personalized education in hospital settings. It facilitates an effective return to traditional schools by supporting students, their families, teachers, and classmates, with the goal of restoring social and education inclusion.

bookmark_border

Bookmark

play_arrow

Overview

Information on this page is provided by the innovator and has not been evaluated by HundrED.

Updated April 2025

Web presence

2017

Established

340 2022

480 2023

570 2024

1

Countries

Students basic

Target group

We believe that no student facing a serious illness should have their access to education interrupted or their development diminished. We aspire to build a more inclusive, aware, and prepared educational society, one that fully integrates and supports these students. Our vision is for all our students to have the opportunity to pursue higher education and become socially included adult

About the innovation

Why did you create this innovation?

We observed that children and adolescents with serious illnesses were dropping out of the education system, facing social isolation and losing crucial opportunities for their overall development, significantly reducing their chances of becoming socially included adults. This program responds to the urgent need to ensure educational, social, and emotional continuity during and after illness.

What does your innovation look like in practice?

This program is part of FNH’s 2 Hospital Schools. It is a unique model in Chile that meets the Ministry of Education’s standards, using didactic and personalized teaching methodologies. A key element of the program is that the medical team provides clearance for students to return to traditional schooling. The program is implemented in four phases: family onboarding, personalized hospital-based education, preparation for reintegration into the traditional school system, and two years of follow-up support after reintegration.
It includes psychological, pedagogical, and clinical support, specialized workshops, and ongoing communication with families and receiving schools. Evidence of its success includes an average attendance rate of 96% at the Dr. Sótero del Río Oncology School and 72% at the Exequiel González Special School, with activities such as 876 hospital-based educational interventions in 2024. Additionally, there is qualitative evidence from the testimonies of students-families

How has it been spreading?

The program has been shared nationwide within oncology teams, featured on the institutional website, radio interviews, internal FNH departments, and through FNH’s social media, talks, workshops, and printed materials, actively engaging schools and families. Additionally, it hosts an annual national seminar organized by FNH, primarily aimed at education professionals committed to the reintegration process. The 8th edition of this seminar took place in 2024.
Among the program’s main achievements is the high school enrollment rate, 100% of reintegrated students were enrolled in 2024. Future goals include expanding geographic coverage and strengthening multidisciplinary support for more schools and families.

If I want to try it, what should I do?

All FNH Hospital School students are included in the Program. External organizations can replicate it by assessing dropout rates, defining services, consulting with the Ministry of Education, and coordinating with local health and education teams. For more information, contact: contacto@fnh.cl

Media

Hospital Schools (English sub)

Implementation steps

Step 1: Initial Welcome and Information

The goal of this stage is to establish a trusting relationship with families. Information is provided about hospital pedagogy and educational modalities (bedside instruction, tele-education, home-based, classroom learning). Enrollment is formalized, internal regulations shared. The student’s original school is contacted to coordinate effective collaboration that facilitates reintegration. From this stage, coordination with the FNH rehabilitation team begins to ensure comprehensive support.

Step 2: Personalized Education in Hospitals

Tailored education is provided according to each student’s specific needs, along with continuous psychological support to help manage the emotional challenges related to illness. An initial curricular assessment is conducted to identify strengths and areas for improvement. Educational activities include interactive methods and pedagogical outings that promote creativity, playful learning, and emotional well-being, ensuring the student’s comprehensive academic progress.

Step 3: Preparation for School Reintegration

During this phase, coordination is carried out with the student’s medical team and original school to ensure optimal conditions for reintegration. Awareness sessions are organized for teachers and classmates to facilitate inclusive practices. Individual and group psychological workshops are also held to emotionally prepare the student and their community, addressing illness-related topics and fostering social integration.

Step 4: Ongoing Follow-Up

This stage lasts for two years after the student returns to a traditional school setting. Continuous monitoring ensures their social, emotional, and academic adaptation. Regular meetings are held with the student, their family, and the school to evaluate progress and address any challenges. Specific support strategies are implemented based on emerging needs, ensuring a sustainable transition back into regular school life.