The World Bank’s Executive Board has officially approved «AprendES,» a transformative results-based program designed to overhaul basic education in El Salvador. Spanning from 2026 to 2031, this initiative will target students from grades 2 through 11 in public schools across the nation. By prioritizing fundamental skills in math and reading, the program seeks to bridge the learning gap and provide a solid academic foundation for the country’s youth.
To ensure these academic goals are met, the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology (Mineducyt) will implement a structured pedagogical approach. This includes the integration of digital resources and specialized remediation programs specifically tailored to improve classroom outcomes. Minister of Finance Jerson Posada emphasized the long-term impact of this strategy, noting that the investment in education is a direct investment in the professionalization and employability of the new generations.
A key component of the $501 million project is the empowerment of school leadership and the modernization of data systems. School directors will take on a more active role in pedagogical coaching, supporting teachers in their professional growth. Simultaneously, the government will strengthen educational assessment systems to monitor student progress accurately. This data-driven approach ensures that decision-making is informed by real-time academic performance, allowing for timely interventions where students need them most.
Beyond the curriculum, AprendES focuses on a comprehensive digital integration that includes providing functional devices, reliable connectivity, and interactive learning platforms. According to Carine Clert, World Bank Country Manager for El Salvador and Costa Rica, AprendES reflects how digital innovation, including the responsible use of data-driven tools and technologies like artificial intelligence, can personalize learning and strengthen teaching practices. This technological leap is intended to prepare students for a competitive global labor market.
This ambitious program serves as a successor to the «Growing and Learning Together» initiative, extending the government’s commitment to education from early childhood through the completion of basic schooling. By linking financial disbursements to specific achievements in learning and institutional strengthening, El Salvador is pioneering a results-oriented financing model. This ensures that every dollar invested contributes directly to fostering a more productive and inclusive future for Salvadoran students.