Análisis de la inversión en educación en el Ecuador para el período 2019 - 2022.

Abstract

Abstract: This research focused on analyzing educational investment in Ecuador during the period 2019-2022, in a context marked by the COVID-19 pandemic and the consequent global economic crises. The main objective was to examine how these investments have impacted the country's economic and social growth. To achieve this, a descriptive study was conducted using quantitative and qualitative methods, utilizing data from official sources such as the Ministry of Economy and Finance, the Central Bank of Ecuador, government reports, and academic studies. The results indicated that educational investment suffered significant reductions due to the pandemic, negatively affecting the education budget and, consequently, school infrastructure, teacher training, didactic and technological materials, and school feeding programs. Although a slight recovery was observed in 2022, the investment did not reach pre-pandemic levels. Disparities were found in access to and quality of education between urban and rural areas and among socioeconomically vulnerable groups. The data showed that an increase in educational investment positively correlates with GDP per capita growth. Therefore, it is concluded that to maximize the benefits of educational investment, it is necessary to increase resource allocation, distribute them equitably, and improve the quality of infrastructure and teacher training. It is recommended to implement policies that address regional and socioeconomic disparities in access to education. The research concludes that sustained and strategic investment in education is essential for sustainable economic and social development in Ecuador, improving economic indicators and contributing to the social well-being and cohesion of Ecuadorian society.