Expectations of the new program for full-time education include expanding the number of vacancies in this modality in basic education by 1 million.| Photo: Albari Rosa / Digital Photo / Gazeta do Povo

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) announced this Friday (12) the release of R$ 4 billion to expand the comprehensive education network in basic education schools in the country. The funds, obtained via a provisional measure, will be transferred directly to states and municipalities with the aim of increasing the number of vacancies by 1 million.

The release of funds for the so-called Full-time Schools Program will follow two stages, according to the Ministry of Education. In the first, full-time enrollment goals will be established, with the transfer taking into account agreed enrollments, the value of the promotion and equity criteria.

In the second stage, the MEC will implement technical assistance strategies with the teaching networks for the adoption of full-time, with actions for the training of educators, curricular guidelines, infrastructure improvement, among others.

According to the program’s determinations in the National Education Plan (PNE), the goal is to bring full-time education to 50% of public schools in the country, serving at least 25% of basic education students by 2024.