Years of underinvestment have left classrooms struggling to provide safe and inspiring spaces to learn. A 2021 national study by MINEDUC found that only 17.76% of schools were in good condition, while most—over 64%—were rated “regular,” 16.84% “bad,” and less than 1% “deteriorated”¹. In a country prone to floods, landslides, and earthquakes, aging schools face constant risk. More than 1,000 schools have been affected by major disasters, and at least 287 were permanently damaged last year¹, putting both education and community safety at stake.
In Ecuador rapid population growth has placed immense pressure on its education system, particularly in cities like Cuenca, home to roughly 682,000 people in 2024². As enrollment expands—reaching 93.4% at the secondary level in 2023³—public schools struggle to keep pace with overcrowding, limited resources, and high student-teacher ratios². Many classrooms hold up to 40 students, and schools often operate in two daily shifts to accommodate demand which often separates siblings and complicates family routines. With most schools limited to just two or three classrooms, expanding infrastructure is essential to relieve overcrowding and ensure every child has access to consistent, quality education.
This summer, HXP builders will join forces with local organizations and community members in Ecuador to expand educational opportunities for children in an overcrowded school. Builders will construct two new classrooms to help reduce class sizes that often exceed 40 students, allowing more children, currently on waitlists, to attend. In addition, builders will create a handicap-accessible bathroom, a need identified by the school’s staff, ensuring the facility is more inclusive and supportive for all students.
Sources:
¹ World Bank
² World Population Review
³ Find Health in Ecuador
⁴ Trading Economics