With an investment of $253,056 from the Government of El Nuevo Ecuador, young people from communities near the Mazar, Molino, Sopladora, Minas San Francisco, and Alazán hydroelectric plants in Cañar, Azuay, and El Oro have started their university studies in Environmental Engineering and Alternative Energies at Universidad del Azuay. The scholarship program is supported by President Daniel Noboa and managed by the Ministry of Environment and Energy along with CELEC EP through its CELEC Sur business unit.
The initiative provides full scholarships that cover tuition fees, housing, transportation, basic services, meals, and other expenses. This represents an estimated savings of about $32,000 per family. Beneficiaries were chosen based on academic performance, socioeconomic status, and personal motivation.
Jennifer Morocho from El Pan (Azuay) said: “One of my greatest motivations is to be someone who can help my family.” Erick Cando from Sevilla de Oro (Azuay) added: “My goal is to graduate, become a great professional and contribute to Ecuador’s progress.”
The program also includes work opportunities for students related to the agreement to help them gain professional experience. It encourages the creation of educational materials to promote natural resource care, responsible water management, clean energy generation, and climate change adaptation.
The agreement was signed between CELEC Sur, Museo y Parque Arqueológico Pumapungo, and Universidad del Azuay. It also aims to strengthen institutional capacity as well as foster research and cooperation among the involved organizations.
According to the government statement: “With this initiative, the Government of El Nuevo Ecuador, the Ministry of Environment and Energy and CELEC EP reaffirm their commitment to a youth capable of transforming their territories and contributing to building a sustainable country committed to energy sovereignty.”
