The Ministry of Education, Sport and Culture (MINEDEC) announced on March 18 the results of the “Miles de Manos” methodology, a preventive intervention aimed at improving relationships and reducing risk factors in schools. The initiative is part of the Safe and Protective Educational Communities Program (PCESP), carried out in collaboration with German Cooperation GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit).
The “Miles de Manos” approach uses seven strategies—conflict resolution, adult supervision, setting limits and consequences, establishing clear expectations, emotional regulation, effective communication, and positive recognition—to prevent violence in educational settings. The program involves key figures such as parents, legal guardians, and teachers to strengthen protective factors for children and adolescents.
At an event presenting the results of the methodology, attendees included José Luis Torres, Vice Minister of Education; Miguel Emilio Félix, Undersecretary for Educational Innovation and Integral Development; Hubertus Klink, Deputy Head of Mission at the German Embassy; Rubeena Esmail from GIZ; and Mariuxi Villagómez from ChildFund. Since 2024, GIZ and ChildFund have implemented this methodology in selected schools during the first phase of PCESP.
So far, 158 education professionals—including those from Student Counseling Departments (DECE)—have been trained and certified across zones 1, 2, 4, and 9. The initial phase focused mainly on zones 1 and 4 before expanding to other areas such as Pichincha. MINEDEC is now working with GIZ to institutionalize “Miles de Manos,” aiming to strengthen state capacity for addressing violence in education sustainably. Communication materials like testimonial videos and infographics have also been developed.
Key actions include building capacity among ministry staff—especially DECE personnel—to serve as trainers for broader implementation in Carchi, Esmeraldas, Imbabura, Manabí, and other regions. During the event’s conclusion, representatives symbolically delivered pedagogical kits containing training materials to DECE professionals from zones 2 and 9.
MINEDEC said it remains committed to making “Miles de Manos” a permanent tool within Ecuador’s educational system.
