President Noboa met with students enrolled in an educational program for young people, adults, and seniors who have not completed their schooling during a gathering on March 24 at a restaurant in Quito’s historic center. The event was also attended by teachers and education officials.
The president said it is important to promote public policies that guarantee the right to education throughout life. He also acknowledged the perseverance of students who have decided to resume their studies.
The government is offering flexible educational options and resources adapted to the needs of these learners. The aim is to help more Ecuadorians return to school and open up new personal, social, and economic opportunities.
Participants included people from different backgrounds who could not finish their studies earlier but are now taking advantage of educational offers for young people, adults, and seniors with incomplete schooling. During the meeting, they shared stories about their diverse ages, experiences, and jobs.
Marco Caiza shared that at age 43 he decided to go back to school while running his aluminum and glass workshop that supports other families. “My children are my inspiration,” he said. Evelyn Romero from Otavalo explained she worked from a young age and missed out on opportunities due to lack of education but is now continuing her studies while working toward her dream of becoming a doctor.
Gilda Alcívar, Minister of Education, Sports and Culture, said there are currently 238,479 students enrolled in the 2025–2026 academic cycles nationwide. Of these students, it is expected that 61,304 will graduate this year after completing third-year high school classes. In Pichincha province alone there are 18,784 enrolled high schoolers—30.6% of all such students nationwide.
Nationally this type of education takes place across 1,063 schools—699 being public or semi-public—with support from 4,694 teachers; Pichincha has 656 teachers serving at 52 schools supporting this effort.
Officials say these initiatives reaffirm the government’s commitment to inclusive and flexible education that values individual life paths.
