In a country where dilapidated classrooms and overcrowded schools were once accepted as the norm, a quiet revolution is now shaking the foundations—literally—of El Salvador’s education system. Under the bold initiative known as #DosEscuelasXDía (Two Schools a Day), the Salvadoran government is embarking on one of the most ambitious infrastructure overhauls in Latin America: constructing and modernizing two schools every single day.
This campaign is more than a political slogan—it’s a transformation that’s reshaping the lives of millions of students, teachers, and families across the nation. In this post, we’ll explore the scope, progress, and profound impact of the Dos Escuelas por Día initiative, including real numbers, case studies, and why this education renaissance is a game-changer for the country’s future.
What Is #DosEscuelasXDía?
Launched in 2023 under President Nayib Bukele’s administration, the “Dos Escuelas por Día” initiative was created with one goal: to build or fully renovate two public schools every single day across the country’s 14 departments.
The effort is coordinated through the DOM (Dirección de Obras Municipales) and aims to:
- Replace decaying and unsafe structures
- Provide modern classrooms, labs, libraries, and recreational areas
- Ensure rural communities have access to dignified educational spaces
- Boost enrollment, attendance, and academic achievement
According to the official website dosescuelasxdia.com, over 1,200 schools have been completed or are in progress as of early 2024—with a target of reaching 2,000+ by 2025.
Why It Matters: The State of Education Before the Project
Before the program’s launch, El Salvador’s public education system faced severe infrastructure challenges:
- Over 60% of public schools were in poor or critical condition
- Rural schools lacked electricity, bathrooms, and drinking water
- Classrooms were overcrowded or made of makeshift materials
- Many facilities had not been renovated since the 1980s or 1990s
This reality contributed to high dropout rates, low teacher morale, and limited learning opportunities—especially in marginalized communities.
A New Model for Salvadoran Schools
Each new school built under the program follows a modernized architectural model that includes:
- Climate-resilient structures
- Wi-Fi access and smart classrooms
- Clean drinking water systems
- Gender-segregated bathrooms
- Sports and recreation areas
- Accessibility for students with disabilities
The schools are designed not just as learning spaces—but as community hubs where families can gather, and children can thrive.
Nationwide Reach: From Cities to the Most Remote Villages
What makes #DosEscuelasXDía revolutionary isn’t just the pace—but the equity.
Urban Zones:
- Schools in San Salvador, Santa Tecla, and Soyapango have been fully modernized to accommodate thousands of students.
- Facilities now include science labs, auditoriums, and bilingual classrooms.
Rural and Mountainous Regions:
- In remote parts of Morazán, Ahuachapán, and Cabañas, communities that once had to teach students under trees or tin roofs now have access to fully-equipped schools.
- Many students are walking into a real classroom for the first time in their lives.
Testimonials: Real Voices, Real Impact
“Before, our roof leaked every time it rained. Now our children learn in dignity.”
— Alicia López, Parent in La Unión
“This is the first time my town has ever had a school this modern.”
— Carlos Menjívar, Teacher in Chalatenango
“The new library changed my life. I love to read now.”
— Mariela, 5th grader in Usulután
Investment and Funding
The project is publicly funded through El Salvador’s national budget, with additional support from international partners and municipal co-financing. Unlike traditional education aid, no money passes through NGOs—it goes directly into bricks, concrete, and steel.
- Estimated cost per school: $200,000–$750,000 depending on size
- Annual investment: $300M+ dedicated to education infrastructure
The government has also emphasized anti-corruption transparency by publishing project timelines and costs online for public access.
Educational Outcomes Already Emerging
While it’s too early to see full generational results, the early signs are promising:
- Enrollment in renovated schools has increased by up to 30%
- Teacher absenteeism has dropped due to better working conditions
- Community participation in school maintenance has improved
- Students report higher engagement, especially in tech and science subjects
A Blueprint for the Region?
Neighboring countries like Honduras, Guatemala, and Nicaragua are closely watching El Salvador’s progress. While most nations in the region struggle with crumbling infrastructure, #DosEscuelasXDía offers a replicable model of rapid, dignified public investment that empowers education at scale.
Criticism and Challenges
No large-scale project is without challenges:
- Some critics argue the pace sacrifices quality or sustainability
- Others question whether enough trained teachers exist to match the infrastructure
- A few schools have faced construction delays due to weather or logistics
However, the government has responded by deploying more regional DOM teams, increasing technical oversight, and offering teacher training programs in parallel.
