Elecnor Foundation helps Uruguay become the first Latin American country with electricity in all rural schools
Elecnor Foundation has completed the “Luces para Aprender Uruguay” (Lights for Learning) project, an initiative that has brought electricity and internet connection to Uruguay's 82 rural public schools that lacked these resources, thus improving the rights and learning conditions of the children living in these rural areas.
The overriding goal of Luces para Aprender is to raise the quality of education and optimise learning and communication processes through five elements: the provision of alternative energy, connectivity, teacher training, community development and sustainability.
The initiative is part of the commitment to human rights through government policies and international cooperation, expanding the right to education of good quality, access to culture and access to information and communication technologies.
To celebrate the successful conclusion of the project, a ceremony was held on 8 October at one of the rural schools covered by the initiative located in the Tacuarembó Department (Uruguay).
Among those attending were the Uruguayan Minister of Education and Culture, Ricardo Ehrlich, the Chairman of the Elecnor Foundation, Ignacio Prado Rey-Baltar, and the Chairman of Uruguayan company UTE, Gonzalo Casaravilla.
Lighting up education
“Luces para Aprender Uruguay” is an initiative spearheaded by the Organisation of Ibero-American States (OEI), the Elecnor Foundation, UTE and the Uruguayan Ministry of Education and Culture through the Plan CEIBAL (Basic Educational Connectivity for Online Learning). The project entailed investment of over EUR 1 million.
The Elecnor Foundation carried out the technical project, installing photovoltaic systems to meet the internal and external lighting needs of the schools. It also trained the individuals appointed in each community on how to use and maintain this sustainable and environmentally-friendly energy system with a view to keeping the system in good working condition and extending its useful life.
The Luces para Aprender Uruguay initiative is part of the Luces para Aprender project designed to bring electricity and internet to 66,000 schools in Latin America. The project was approved at the 22nd Ibero-American Education Ministers Conference held in Paraguay in 2011 and originates from the “2021 Educational Goals” approved by the Heads of State and Government at the 20th Ibero-American Summit in December 2012. In addition to Uruguay, Colombia, Paraguay, El Salvador, the Dominican Republic, Peru, Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala, Ecuador and Bolivia participate in the project.
About the OEI
The OEI is an international cooperation agency for Ibero-American education, science and culture. It promotes the 2021 Educational Goals which aim to improve quality and equality in education to face poverty and inequality.
More information: www.lucesparaaprender.org
