The Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture (MINEDEC) Zona 7 announced on March 11 that a total of 13,070 students from the Costa-Galápagos regime have completed their secondary education for the 2025-2026 period. The ceremonies took place in the provinces of El Oro and Loja, where families, teachers, and local authorities gathered to celebrate the achievements of the new graduates.
This milestone marks an important step for students as they prepare to pursue higher education, technical training, or enter the workforce. In Loja province, 2,914 students received their high school diplomas. In El Oro province, another 10,156 young people finished their secondary studies.
The distribution of graduating institutions includes 9,901 public schools, 1,314 semi-public schools (fiscomisionales), and 1,696 private schools. This brings the total number of graduates to over thirteen thousand for this academic cycle.
“These figures reflect the commitment of the Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture to the educational system, allowing comprehensive student development and contributing to the country’s educational and social progress,” said Favio Villamizar, zonal coordinator for MINEDEC Zona 7.
Arleth Espinoza, a student from Unidad Educativa Carmen Mora de Encalada in Pasaje canton (El Oro), shared her feelings about reaching this milestone: “This is an effort by everyone; these have been years of sacrifice and dedication. Along this path we encountered several obstacles but with support from our parents and teachers we have moved forward.”
The ministry said that this new group of graduates reaffirms its commitment to preparing young people who are ready to contribute critically and constructively to Ecuador’s future.
