The Manuela Garaicoa de Calderón Educational Unit hosted the official delivery of tactile cartography kits for students with visual disabilities in educational institutions under Zonal Coordination 6, which includes the provinces of Azuay, Cañar, and Morona Santiago.
These tactile maps are intended to help students understand Ecuador’s geography, support awareness of national identity, and promote meaningful learning in Social Sciences. The materials are integrated into the current National Curriculum and aim to encourage classroom interaction, teamwork, critical thinking, and skill development as part of the teaching-learning process.
A total of 96 schools across elementary, middle, and high school levels will receive these kits. In all, 124 students with visual disabilities will benefit. Each kit is tailored to its province and contains a physical map of Ecuador, a political map of Ecuador, provincial maps for Azuay, Cañar, and Morona Santiago, as well as a chart with symbols.
Each kit also comes with a pedagogical guide that aligns with the National Curriculum. This guide provides activities designed for teachers to create collaborative work environments in class and ensure active participation from all students while addressing diversity within the classroom.
The initiative is made possible through cooperation between the Ministry of Education, Sport and Culture and the Military Geographic Institute. It demonstrates the Ecuadorian state’s commitment to equity and equal opportunity.
Marcela Villavicencio, Zonal Coordinator for Education, Sport and Culture, stated: “This material not only benefits those with visual disabilities but also enriches the entire educational community by promoting values such as empathy, respect and solidarity. These actions reflect our strong commitment to equity and equal opportunities because we believe that inclusive education not only transmits knowledge but also shapes sensitive human beings who are aware and committed to building a fairer country.”
María José Riva, Director of Specialized and Inclusive Education, added: “The inclusive design of this material guarantees comprehensive benefits for all students by becoming a universal pedagogical resource. When implemented in classrooms it strengthens collaborative learning environments where each student’s diverse abilities and experiences contribute to collective growth.”
The Ministry reiterates its commitment alongside the national government to build an inclusive education system that ensures access, continuity and meaningful learning for all students. By taking concrete steps together they aim to strengthen equal opportunities while recognizing diversity as key to Ecuador’s overall development.
