The Ministry of Education, Sport and Culture is continuing its efforts to promote comprehensive education for young people through the Programa de Participación Estudiantil (PPE). This national initiative aims to develop community promoters who are committed to their environment and guided by values such as solidarity, justice, and innovation. As part of the program’s introductory phase, schools in Manabí and Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas in Zone 4 organized open houses to share with the community the work carried out by participating students.
The PPE targets first- and second-year high school students across all types of educational institutions within the National Education System. The program seeks to strengthen student profiles through practical experiences focused on social action. Through this process, students take an active role in identifying local needs and creating proposals that offer solutions to community issues.
The areas addressed by PPE include civic action, health and well-being, environmental care, reading promotion, and early pregnancy prevention. These themes help students develop citizenship skills, social abilities, and critical awareness. The program encourages democratic participation, respect for human rights, environmental stewardship, cultural promotion, and responsible decision-making for personal and societal well-being.
Anahell Zapata Holguín, a student at Unidad Educativa Mercedarias, said: “Participar en el programa permite aprender ayudando a los demás y comprender que los jóvenes también podemos generar cambios positivos en nuestra comunidad”.
Lorena Pico Navarro, principal of Unidad Educativa Blanca Cuadros Zambrano, stated: “Este programa fortalece el liderazgo estudiantil y consolida una formación integral que trasciende el aula, vinculando a los jóvenes con la realidad social. Participaron de este programa más de 300 estudiantes de Bachillerato”.
The implementation of the PPE involves collaborative work between students and teachers. It ensures pedagogical support and organizes groups that foster meaningful and safe learning processes. Each thematic area is managed through specific programs coordinated by the Subsecretariat for Educational Innovation and Integral Development in partnership with relevant organizations.
Through initiatives like this one, the Ministry reaffirms its commitment to promoting transformative education that is inclusive and oriented toward comprehensive development. The goal is to prepare responsible citizens who actively contribute to Ecuador’s progress.
