How can countries work together to strengthen education systems, share knowledge and build a better future for all learners? The answer lies in the power of partnership.

The recent meeting of partner countries from Latin America and the Caribbean held from April 9 to 11 in El Salvador brought together 15 representatives from education ministries across the region.

These gatherings are dynamic platforms to support mutual learning, deepen engagement and reinforce the collective voice of partner countries in GPE’s governance and decision-making structures.

This year’s meeting held special significance. It marked the beginning of a regional consultative process to develop a GPE Regional Engagement Strategy for Latin America and the Caribbean—a key step toward more inclusive and responsive collaboration.

Through interactive sessions and open dialogue, participants explored shared policy priorities, the role of partnerships and strategies for knowledge exchange and resource mobilization.

El Salvador’s vision for education transformation: “Mi Nueva Escuela”

A major highlight of the meeting was the address by H.E. Mr. José Mauricio Pineda, Minister of Education of El Salvador.

He warmly welcomed delegates and offered a powerful narrative of his country’s transformation—from a past marked by violence to a present rooted in peace and opportunity.

At the heart of this change is the “Mi Nueva Escuela” (My New School) education reform, a holistic initiative grounded in 6 key pillars: school infrastructure, early childhood, health and nutrition, curriculum renewal, teacher training and technology.

Minister Pineda emphasized the centrality of teachers in this vision:

He also recognized the crucial role of GPE in creating spaces for countries to learn from one another: “Sharing, having a meeting like this where the countries of the region we can learn from each other is a mechanism for which I am grateful to the Global Partnership for Education.”

Peer learning in action: A school visit that inspired

One of the most impactful moments of the meeting was a visit to Colonia Guadalupe School Center in Sonsonate where participants observed educational reforms taking shape in real time.

Through the World Bank and GPE-funded project “Growing up and Learning Together: Comprehensive Early Childhood Development,” they witnessed the use of inclusive books and learning materials that promote reading habits in the early years, socio-emotional skills and girls’ empowerment.

Meeting with students, teachers, school leaders and ministry officials, participants gained practical insights into classroom practices, school feeding programs and strategies for community involvement.

These interactions highlighted the importance of peer-to-peer learning in driving meaningful change.

Moving forward, together

As the Latin America and Caribbean region charts its path forward in education, the meeting convened by GPE reaffirmed a powerful truth: transformation is not achieved in isolation.

It’s through shared commitment, mutual learning and strategic collaboration that countries can address common challenges and seize the opportunities ahead.