The Argentine Province of Rio Negro has obtained US$58.5 million from the Inter-American Development Bank for an extended school day program to promote equity in educational opportunities for primary school students from low-income families.
“The population of Río Negro is predominantly urban and young, and the public education system covers 83 percent of the province’s total primary school enrollment,” said IDB team leader Ernesto Martínez. “Extending the school day to 8 hours will benefit socially and educationally vulnerable students by ensuring more and better time in school, particularly in the suburban and rural areas.”
The program will support the construction of new schools and the expansion or rehabilitation of existing schools to provide an adequate learning environment, equipment and educational materials for the extended school day. It will also help prepare teachers and administrators for the new schedule and develop mechanisms to strengthen the institutional management of the system, including recognition of improved academic performance.
“With this program, around 21,000 boys and girls from the poorest socioeconomic segments will benefit from access to expanded quality education,” said Martínez, “while 3,300 teachers, administrators and supervisors will receive training to improve school management.”
The loan, guaranteed by the Argentine Government, is for a 25-year term, with a five-year grace period, at an adjustable interest rate. Local counterpart funds for the loan total US$6.5 million.