Since 1877 primary education in Uruguay is universal, compulsory and free. These days students receive free education through university, literacy is the highest in South America at 95%, equally for males and females.
These photographs are from a cruise around South American my wife, Pam, and I enjoyed February / March 2016 on the Oceania ship Regatta. This was the evening of February 26, 2016, a Friday, in the city Montevideo, Uruguay.
This image is the theme of this blog, “back to school”. On Avenue Gral Eugenio Garzon of the Colon neighborhood of Montevideo a mother and four daughters discuss a shop window featuring “back to school” clothing and necessaries. The children range in age from pre-school to teen. This is evidently a serious discussion about preparing for the school year which starts in March for Uruguay.
A government program launched in 2007 expands Information and Communication technologies in primary schools with these goals:
— To distribute technology,
— To promote knowledge,
— To generate social equity.
Called Ceibal, after a tree native to Uruguay, the program was a success. From 2009 – 2012 450,000 laptops, popularly named “”ceibalitas”, were delivered to children coordinate with teacher training and a monitoring and evaluation model for assessing the impact nationally. Ceibal is the acronym for “Conectividad Educativa de Informática Básica para el Aprendizaje en Línea” (Educational Connectivity/Basic Computing for Online Learning in English).
These photographs build on the theme of the positive influence education has on the lives of Uruguayans, many of whom live in poverty.
A family gathering in their yard on Avenue Gral Eugenio Garzon, enjoying a cool late summer evening.

Traffic and a gas station. People were out and about, walking and conversing. There is a makeshift trailer attached to the motorcycle, behind is a large truck.

Storefront with customer and man loitering on wall. A mini-Honda all terrain vehicle is on display.

Mate is a beverage enjoyed throughout South America. Here companions enjoy a warm summer evening with a thermos of hot water and mate gourd behind a restaurant, their view across the train tracks and the Colon rail station is of a playground and playing fields.

A family of very young soccer players coming from practice with teammates. The sponsors of lucky number 7 are the bank Banrisul and Tramontina, a kitchenware manufacturer.

We waited to board an historic train and shared the station with Montevideans waiting for a passenger train. Here are two families: a mother and pre-teen daughter colorfully dressed, a grandmother and grandson. Behind them are the playing fields and playground.

A passenger train heading north passed while we waited for our ride to begin. Curiosity shines from this child’s eyes.

Happy families greeted us with waves and smiles during our trip to downtown Montevideo.
Some of the homes along the rail line. Pools such as that are popular in cities. We saw a great many on the streets in Lima, Peru.
Reaction to the historic train from a group of young men.

Curious playmates gather at the end of the road.

A well attended playground.

Copyright 2021 Michael Stephen Wills All Rights Reserved
I haven’t spent much time in South America – I would love to get back and explore it more.
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We found the Oceania Cruise to be a perfect means to explore South America. Effortless and relaxing travel, new friends, great excursions.
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I would think it would give you lots of ideas of places to return to for a longer period of time as well. I will have to look into it for a future trip!
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Wow! Very interesting commentary and photos. It’s wonderful that even university is “free”!
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Thanks for visiting, Michael, and the positive comments. Education is a helpful release valve for that society.
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Judging from your photo – you seem to be an educator – a principle perhaps?
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No, but thank you. I am a professional, a Registered Dietitian.
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Well that sound like a very good occupation!
So many folks need a proper dietary education.
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Excellent post, increase my knowledge. But surprise to know that even with education why the country can’t able to kickoff their economy.
Some thing and some where things are wrong.
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Uruguay is doing “OK” compared to the USA. Here is an overview.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Economy_of_Uruguay
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Quite impressive I would say with the way it sound. Except they just need to broaden their industry into cash products / services.
From the link they have a smaller basket, but sounds like an interesting market to visit and explore
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They are big on beef, for sure. Punta del Este is a lovely playpen for the rich. Thanks for visiting and the comments.
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I’m surprised and pleased to learn that literacy is so high and education is valued in Uruguay. Thank you for the educational travelogue!
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My pleasure, Janet. It was quite and afternoon/evening.
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Abbreviating colegio to cole is understandable but I don’t believe I’ve encountered it in the Spanish-speaking places I’ve been to.
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vuelta al colé is very common. There is even a facebook page
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I didn’t know they stress the second syllable of colé, preserving the accentuation pattern of the original colegio.
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for what it’s worth I did not know, either until that shop window display
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Reblogged this on Ned Hamson's Second Line View of the News.
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