More than 22,000 students from Guayaquil, Durán, and Samborondón are expected to participate in the “Vacacional: Disfruta, Juega y Aprende” program this March. The initiative follows the end of the 2025–2026 school year in the Costa–Galápagos region, where a total of 696,209 students completed their studies across public, religious-affiliated, and private schools.
The Ministry of Education, Deporte y Cultura (MINEDEC) has organized safe spaces during the school break to encourage personal growth, social interaction, and risk prevention among youth. The program offers activities in sports, arts, culture, and technical training with an inclusive approach and socio-emotional support. It aims to help build resilient and engaged citizens.
A total of 598 teachers will lead workshops throughout March at local educational institutions. These sessions form part of a broader public policy focused on productive use of free time and supporting physical, cognitive, and emotional development for students.
At the opening event for the program, Minister Gilda Alcívar García said: “The program not only represents a recreational offer but also a vision of comprehensive education where learning also occurs through play, art and teamwork.” She formally launched the vacation courses with a symbolic ceremony marking the start of activities for thousands of students.
The launch included live demonstrations from several areas featured in the program:
– Sports: Basketball exhibitions designed to strengthen character and teamwork.
– Technical training: Practical presentations in electricity aimed at showing how knowledge is built through experience and responsibility.
– Safe and inclusive community: Inclusive spaces offering workshops on psychosocial risk prevention, occupational health services, and speech therapy for those who need it.
– Culture and performing arts: Dance performances highlighting how art can boost confidence and expression within safe environments.
Roxana Bravo—a parent attending—expressed her gratitude by saying: “I appreciate this initiative as it brings peace of mind to families knowing that our children have safe places where they can learn, grow and share positive experiences during their vacations.”
Through this action, MINEDEC states its ongoing commitment to children’s welfare by advancing educational policies centered on student well-being across Ecuador.
