Authorities and professionals from the Student Counseling Departments (DECE) of districts 01D01 and 01D02 in Cuenca took part in a meeting aimed at strengthening the skills and knowledge of educational teams. The event focused on ensuring the well-being of children and adolescents in public and semi-public schools within the canton.
Marcela Villavicencio, Zonal 6 Education Coordinator, addressed participants about the need to tackle issues related to educational equity, preventing situations that could harm students’ integrity, and increasing school participation. She emphasized using tools like COLMENA to support inclusive and shared management in education. “It is important to address topics directly linked with educational equity, prevention of situations that undermine student integrity, and strengthening school participation through tools that promote inclusive and co-responsible educational management such as COLMENA,” said Villavicencio.
María Isabel Pinos, director of the University Welfare Department at Universidad del Azuay (Mi UDA), presented the “Becas Equidad” program. This initiative aims to make higher education more accessible for students by prioritizing inclusion and social justice. “The ‘Becas Equidad’ program seeks to facilitate access to and permanence in higher education for students, prioritizing criteria of inclusion and social justice,” explained Pinos.
Cristian Moreno from the Ministry of Public Health discussed strategies for preventing self-harm and suicide among young people. He highlighted collaboration between health and education sectors as key for early detection and comprehensive support within school communities. “It is important to work together across education and health sectors for timely detection and comprehensive support for the educational community,” stated Moreno.
Norma Alvarado, zonal educational advisor, introduced COLMENA—a tool developed by the Ministry of Education, Sport, and Culture (MINEDEC). According to Alvarado: “COLMENA strengthens community participation in school management while promoting safe and collaborative learning environments.”
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment through inter-institutional actions focused on psychosocial risk prevention, equitable access to education, community involvement, and comprehensive support for students. It stated: “The Ministry of Education, Culture, and Sport promotes inter-institutional actions aimed at preventing psychosocial risks; ensuring equitable access to education; fostering community participation; providing comprehensive support for the educational community; thus reaffirming its commitment to an inclusive, safe education centered on student well-being.”
