MONTEVIDEO — The Board of Executive Directors of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has approved a loan of up to $50 million to reduce school dropout rates in Uruguay and improve academic progression among secondary school students, particularly those in the most vulnerable situations.
The operation will finance Uruguay’s Program for Extended School Hours in Secondary Education. Of the program’s total cost of $65 million, the IDB will finance $ 50 million, and the Uruguayan government will contribute $15 million. The initiative will directly benefit more than 36,000 secondary school students and reach 122 schools, prioritizing those located in areas of greater social vulnerability.
“By investing to keep teens in school, we’re investing in Uruguay’s future development. This operation reflects our shared commitment to supporting young people, especially those facing the greatest challenges. The program will help them develop the skills they need and give them more opportunities to participate fully in the country’s economy and society,” said Miguel Porrúa, the IDB Group country representative in Uruguay.
The loan will finance educational initiatives, cultural and sports activities, and extended-day programs that give students more time to learn and receive academic support. The program will also build, expand, and renovate schools; develop information systems to track student progress; and provide ongoing teacher training. Planned investments include furniture and educational materials, as well as improvements to education management and monitoring systems.
The operation is aligned with the IDB’s Country Strategy for Uruguay for 2026–2030, particularly its objective of improving the well-being of vulnerable children, adolescents, and youth through greater educational opportunities and better learning outcomes.
The National Public Education Administration will implement the project as part of a conditional credit line for investment projects to strengthen Uruguay’s secondary education and teacher training.
The loan has a 25-year repayment term and a 5.5-year grace period.
About the IDB
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), a member of the IDB Group, is devoted to improving lives across Latin America and the Caribbean. Founded in 1959, the Bank works with the region’s public sector to design and enable impactful, innovative solutions for sustainable and inclusive development. Leveraging financing, technical expertise, and knowledge, it promotes growth and well-being in 26 countries. Visit our website: https://www.iadb.org/en.
Javier Salgado Derqui
Communications Specialist
