Uruguay Targets Secondary School Dropout Rates with $50 Million Loan

The project addresses the critical juncture of secondary education by providing more than just extra time in the building. Beyond longer school days, the funding supports infrastructure upgrades—including renovations and new furniture—to ensure these facilities can accommodate extended programs. These physical improvements are paired with a push for better data, as the government plans to deploy new information systems to track attendance and identify individual learning hurdles before they lead to student disengagement.

Teachers remain central to this strategy. Staff will undergo specialized training to better manage diverse learning needs and monitor student progression. According to Miguel Porrúa, the IDB Group country representative in Uruguay, the investment is a deliberate effort to equip young people with the skills necessary for the national economy. The initiative, which aligns with Uruguay’s 2026–2030 education priorities, carries a 25-year repayment term, providing the state with the financial flexibility to implement systemic changes to its secondary education model.