More than 700 students in the Azuay province are benefiting from new educational infrastructure and pedagogical improvements, following an investment of USD 432,459.35 by the Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture. The initiative was coordinated through Zonal Coordination 6 and included collaboration with private sector partners and civil society organizations.
The upgrades were carried out at three educational institutions as part of comprehensive projects aimed at transforming education in the region. The government stated that these efforts reaffirm its commitment to providing dignified, safe, and inclusive education for students, teachers, families, and local communities.
At Manuel J. Calle Educational Unit in Chicán parish, Paute canton, the final phase of an infrastructure project that began in April 2025 was completed. Improvements included roofing repairs, new sanitary facilities, upgrades to outdoor areas, new furniture, teaching materials, and teacher training. This portion of the project received USD 195,970.52 in funding from Zurich, Ecuagenera, and WRT, with support from Fundación Unidos por la Educación and Fundación Territorios.
Work also concluded at Nabón Educational Unit, which serves 478 students and employs 23 teachers. Nearly 300 families are expected to benefit from classroom renovations, updated sanitary facilities, recreational area improvements, and new pedagogical resources and books. Funding for this work totaled USD 151,793.73 from Zurich and Z Zurich Foundation.
In Pucallpa community, CECIB Monseñor Leonidas Proaño saw the completion of sanitary maintenance work along with reconstruction of its infrastructure. Fifty-five students will benefit from the addition of educational materials and strengthened community-based teaching methods after an investment of USD 84,695.10.
Marcela Villavicencio, Zonal Coordinator for Education in Zone 6 said: “These actions demonstrate the value of coordinated work between the public sector, private sector and communities.” She added: “I call on everyone to care for and preserve these spaces as a shared commitment to the educational future of our territory.”
The Ministry indicated it will continue to promote projects that support both comprehensive development and well-being within educational communities.
