The Global Partnership for Education (GPE) reaffirms its commitment to bolstering El Salvador’s educational development. Laura Frigenti, the Executive Director of GPE, is currently in the country to gain insights into the educational model and initiatives implemented by the government.
Representatives from the Office of the First Lady, Gabriela de Bukele, engaged in discussions with Laura Frigenti, emphasizing the significance of implementing the “Crecer Juntos” (Grow Together) law within the framework of the country’s educational transformation.
The meeting showcased ongoing educational initiatives designed to benefit early childhood education and subsequent stages of academic formation.
Laura Frigenti praised the government’s efforts, stating, “The literature from education economists confirms that investing in the years from zero to six is necessary to achieve significant learning outcomes in school. The education strategy and strong investment in preschool years mutually reinforce each other. Congratulations because it is a fantastic initiative.”
The GPE, a multilateral organization, aims to address the most pressing educational challenges faced by developing countries by strengthening education systems. Comprising governments, international organizations, civil society groups, teachers, foundations, and private companies, GPE plays a crucial role in fostering global collaboration for education.
“We are delighted to welcome the director of the Global Partnership for Education. Since President Bukele’s term began, this alliance with a group that seeks to unite all education-related stakeholders has been established. This is an important space that allows us to share all the work that has been done in the field of education,” said Alexandra Posada, Head of Projects at the Office of the First Lady.
The First Lady’s Office revealed that the GPE will provide El Salvador with a non-reimbursable grant of $15 million, supplementing existing investments in areas such as promoting the production of children’s literature by Salvadoran authors, purchasing books and audiobooks promoting socio-emotional skills, and creating materials for parents and caregivers of children aged three to seven in vulnerable households.
Alejandra Orozco, Head of Education Projects at the First Lady’s Office, detailed the various initiatives implemented for the holistic development of early childhood, including the creation of the “Árbol de Vida” (Tree of Life) Collection, consisting of five series of books addressing different themes focused on children’s learning.
“We are grateful to the Global Partnership for Education because it is the support we need – assistance in education that we seek to provide more to the Salvadoran people, especially children. This marks the first time in the history of El Salvador that such support has been received, and we aim to strengthen the development of children with a focus on literacy skills,” expressed Orozco.