The Ministry of Education, Sport and Culture of Ecuador announced on March 17 the launch of the first event for the “VAMOS” program, aimed at strengthening teacher training in technical agricultural high schools. The initiative is carried out in cooperation with VVOB-Education for Development.
The program seeks to improve pedagogical and management skills among teachers and administrators in institutions offering Technical Agricultural Baccalaureate. The city of Riobamba hosted the inaugural event, called “Escuela VAMOS en territorio,” which brought together representatives from the ministry, VVOB, and educators from Chimborazo, Cotopaxi, and Tungurahua.
As part of this collaboration, a framework has been established to develop training courses through the digital platform “Me capacito.” These courses focus on innovative teaching methods, collaborative work, and strengthening educational processes. So far, nine out of ten planned specialized courses have been implemented across three cohorts, directly benefiting teachers in technical agricultural education.
Olger Mariño, Zonal Coordinator 3, said: “Among the main benefits of the agreement are the strengthening of professional teaching competencies, support for recategorization and promotion processes, progressive improvement in educational quality and incorporation of innovative methodologies that promote meaningful learning. In addition, this initiative strengthens technical agricultural education by linking it with productive development in local areas.”
Roxana Pilco, a teacher at Unidad Educativa Puruhá in Químiag parish, said that building alliances goes beyond connecting theory with practice; it also encourages leadership, entrepreneurship, management skills and self-learning. Claudia Cadena, Program Director for VVOB in Ecuador said: “These processes have strengthened capacities in pedagogical innovation, teamwork and coordination with the productive sector, generating a positive impact on teaching and educational communities.”
During the event participants shared their experiences with the VAMOS program and assisted new applicants with registration for cohort three on “Me capacito.” The ministry says these efforts reinforce its commitment to providing quality technical education aligned with national productive needs.
