The Ministry of Education, Sport and Culture announced on March 17 the start of the “Disfruta, Juega y Aprende” vacation courses in Manta, aimed at supporting the physical and social development of children and adolescents. The initiative is organized through the Vice Ministry of Sport and seeks to provide safe spaces for participation, recreation, and learning through sports.
The program is designed to encourage healthy habits and strengthen values such as respect, discipline, teamwork, and coexistence among young participants. Various sports disciplines including soccer, basketball, volleyball, and handball are offered during these courses. Recreational activities are also included to support both physical fitness and social skills.
Specialized instructors from the Vice Ministry of Sport will guide participants with technical and formative support throughout the sessions. Five educational institutions serve as venues for these activities in District 13D02: Adolfo Jurado González Basic Education School and Maruja Cedeño Basic Education School in Manta; Aníbal San Andrés Educational Unit and Lauro Palacios Basic Education School in Montecristi; and Walter Palacios Basic Education School in Jaramijó.
The courses are provided free of charge to nearly 400 children across three cantons. The initiative has also been extended to other districts within the province, specifically Chone (District 13D07) and Tosagua (District 13D12), broadening access to sports and recreational opportunities.
Maximiliano Núñez Tomasselli, Zonal Coordinator 4 for Education, Sport and Culture, said: “Los cursos vacacionales brindan la oportunidad de fortalecer sus habilidades, compartir en espacios seguros y descubrir en el deporte una herramienta para su crecimiento personal. Desde esta cartera de Estado continuamos promoviendo iniciativas que fomenten estilos de vida saludables y contribuyan al desarrollo integral de nuestra niñez y juventud.”
Through this program, the Ministry reaffirms its commitment to promoting sports practice, well-being, and comprehensive development among children and adolescents.
