The Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture (Minedec) and Arentto have announced the winners of the First National Contest for Good DECE Practices. The award ceremony is part of the tenth edition of Festival FuturA+ 2025, described as Ecuador’s largest free event focused on vocational and professional guidance.
The contest aims to recognize the work done by Student Counseling Departments (DECE) across the country. According to Minedec, these departments play a central role in supporting students’ overall development, promoting harmonious coexistence, emotional well-being, and social-educational inclusion.
Between November 2024 and November 2025, Minedec has expanded its support for these departments by hiring 2,460 new DECE professionals through an investment of USD 12.5 million. This brings the total number of DECE professionals nationwide to 5,451.
The awards will be presented on Thursday, November 20 at 3:00 p.m., at Quito’s Metropolitan Convention Center. Attendees will include ministry officials, DECE professionals, and partner organizations. Six projects will be recognized for their practices related to emotional well-being, inclusion, educational innovation, and building protective communities.
Festival FuturA+ 2025 will also take place at the same venue with several activities scheduled:
On Thursday and Friday (November 20–21), there will be a free academic program for schools from all sectors between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., requiring prior registration for students and teachers.
On Saturday (November 22), the festival opens to the general public from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., offering interactive spaces for exploring academic and professional opportunities.
The festival features four main themes designed to help participants explore career options and develop future skills:
– Personalized vocational guidance.
– Workshops aimed at strengthening professional and entrepreneurial skills.
– Information about national and international academic programs as well as sessions targeted at DECE professionals.
– A STEM area focused on technological innovation and applied science.
“Through this joint action,” organizers stated, “Minedec and Arentto reaffirm their commitment to continue promoting initiatives that strengthen the comprehensive development of Ecuadorian youth. Cooperation among institutions, educational communities, and strategic partners makes it possible to build a more prepared country with greater opportunities for everyone.”
