El Salvador has taken an important step toward modernizing its public education system by signing a cooperation agreement with Finland’s Ministry of Education and Culture.
The memorandum of understanding was signed by El Salvador’s Minister of Education, Karla Trigueros, alongside representatives from the country’s foreign affairs and diplomatic sectors, together with Finnish officials.
A System Already Undergoing Major Transformation
The agreement comes at a time when El Salvador is implementing major changes across its educational structure.
Under the administration of President Nayib Bukele, the country has launched an ambitious effort to renew public schools with first-class infrastructure, aiming to build facilities that match — or surpass — the standards of private institutions.
This reflects a vision repeatedly emphasized by Bukele: public services should be better than private ones.
New school constructions, full renovations, modern equipment, and technology-ready classrooms are part of this ongoing transformation, creating a more solid foundation for any new pedagogical or curricular improvements.
What the Agreement With Finland Means
Through this cooperation, El Salvador seeks to adopt selected, viable elements of Finland’s widely respected education system. The agreement is not intended to replicate the entire Finnish model, but rather to identify and apply practices that can realistically benefit Salvadoran students.
Key areas of collaboration include:
- Curriculum design and improved curriculum management
- Introduction and integration of educational technologies
- Strengthening teacher training and exploring potential exchange opportunities
- Promoting peaceful and safe school environments, including efforts to reduce violence and bullying
This selective approach acknowledges that Finland’s success is rooted in circumstances very different from those of El Salvador. Adopting only adaptable, context-appropriate elements allows for practical, achievable progress.
A Clear Vision of What El Salvador Wants to Become
One of the most defining aspects of the Bukele administration is its clarity on which countries El Salvador should look to as development models — and which it should not.
The government has repeatedly expressed admiration for nations such as Singapore and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), highlighting their efficiency, long-term planning, rapid modernization, and strong educational outcomes.
Singapore, in particular, has been cited by Bukele and several officials as the country whose trajectory El Salvador would most like to follow.
At the same time, the direction taken by President Bukele and his administration clearly points to an intention to avoid resembling countries like Cuba. Their actions suggest an understanding that socialist models tend to generate greater poverty and drive nations into deeper decline.
This agreement with Finland reflects that same strategic mindset: learning from the world’s most effective systems, while carefully choosing what fits the country’s modernization plan.
Looking Ahead
The success of this cooperation will depend on sustained implementation, adequate resources, and the capacity to adapt Finnish methodologies to local needs.
With ongoing infrastructure upgrades and a clear vision of the nation El Salvador wants to become, the country is positioned to make meaningful improvements in the quality of education and the experience of students nationwide.
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