The Ministry of Education, Sport and Culture has launched the “Derechos en acción: aulas que educan en respeto” campaign in Quito. The initiative is part of the Safe and Protective Educational Communities Program and aims to promote values within the educational community, as well as ensure safety, integrity, and well-being in schools.
The campaign was officially launched on February 10 at the coliseum of Unidad Educativa Consejo Provincial de Pichincha. The event was attended by Juan Carlos Rodríguez, Vice Minister of Educational Management; José Luis Torres, Vice Minister of Education; María José Moyano, Undersecretary of Education, Sport and Culture in Quito; and Colonel Pablo Lastra, Commander of the Eloy Alfaro District. Nearly one thousand students, teachers, and families were present to support the initiative.
During his speech, Vice Minister Juan Carlos Rodríguez stated: “We meet with a common purpose: to promote values, peaceful coexistence and respect among all members of the educational community; with the commitment from each institution, we will strengthen classrooms as spaces for comprehensive development.”
Undersecretary María José Moyano added: “Talking about rights implies commitment. It means promoting peaceful coexistence, preventing any form of discrimination and consolidating values that guide behavior inside and outside educational institutions.”
The campaign seeks active participation from more than 250,000 children and adolescents in Quito’s schools. Teachers, parents, school authorities and students are encouraged to take part in sports, artistic and cultural activities designed to help create safe and inclusive learning environments.
Key elements of the campaign include monthly activation around five themes—social justice, elimination of racial discrimination, sport for development and peace, peaceful coexistence, and International Play Day—all tied to commemorative dates. These themes are intended to reinforce values across all educational institutions.
Artistic initiatives such as “El pasillo en tu cole” performances and La cantina «El Aguacate» from Ecuador’s Museo del Pasillo are being introduced into schools. There is also a zonal drawing contest titled “Derechos en acción,” organized with strategic partner Corporación JetMind. Additional activities include sporting events, cultural gatherings and district fairs.
The program also focuses on prevention through community engagement by strengthening cooperation with the National Police for patrols and control actions. Workshops for students, teachers, parents and DECE professionals are held with support from police officers and other partners.
According to organizers, this joint effort between education authorities and strategic allies helps build safer school environments where student well-being is prioritized.
Through these actions, the Ministry reaffirms its commitment to promoting children’s rights while fostering harmony and respect within classrooms.
