Del bono demográfico al dividendo educativo: reconfiguración de la política de educación superior y la empleabilidad de adultos en El Salvador

Norma Eunice Alfaro Amaya; Gonzalo Oliberio Rodríguez Montano; Miguel Alexander Quintanilla Villegas

Authors

Norma Eunice Alfaro Amaya Universidad Evangelica de El Salvador https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9404-4984
Gonzalo Oliberio Rodríguez Montano Universidad Evangelica de El Salvador https://orcid.org/0009-0000-7550-1510
Miguel Alexander Quintanilla Villegas Universidad Evangelica de El Salvador https://orcid.org/0009-0008-2129-5035

Keywords:

demographic bonus, educational dividend, higher education, adult population, lifelong learning, employability, labor inclusion, El Salvador

Abstract

Introduction: The post-demographic bonus scenario in El Salvador redefines the opportunities and challenges of higher education for the adult population aged 30 to 59 years, in a context of accelerated aging and a narrowing of the population pyramid. Methodology: A qualitative study was conducted based on discursive evidence obtained from semi-structured interviews with specialists and representatives of higher education institutions, complemented by document analysis. Results: The findings identify the educational dividend as an emerging and integrative category of sustainable development. Additionally, economic, pedagogical, and psychosocial barriers that limit adult participation are evident. Discussion: The convergence of multidimensional motivations and structural limitations underscores the need for public policies that foster flexible training, acknowledge prior learning, and integrate education and employment. Conclusions: The study provides original evidence for designing inclusive higher education policies that strengthen labor competitiveness and social cohesion in a critical demographic context.

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Author Biographies

Norma Eunice Alfaro Amaya, Universidad Evangelica de El Salvador

She is a lecturer and researcher associated with the Evangelical University of El Salvador, El Salvador. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Education Sciences and a Master's degree in Educational Policy and Evaluation with honours (2023), in addition to having completed doctoral studies in Education – Leadership for Development. Her career combines public policy management, applied research and higher education governance, as well as the evaluation and systematisation of processes and projects.

Gonzalo Oliberio Rodríguez Montano, Universidad Evangelica de El Salvador

Associate professor and researcher at the Evangelical University of El Salvador, El Salvador. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, a Master's degree in Social Research Methods and Techniques, and a Master's degree in Innovation and Research in Higher Education. He also holds a PhD in Education. His professional career includes teaching, psychotherapy, academic research, and evaluation of social development projects.

Miguel Alexander Quintanilla Villegas, Universidad Evangelica de El Salvador

A researcher at the Evangelical University of El Salvador, he is a lecturer and researcher with a bachelor's degree in sociology and a master's degree in educational policy and evaluation. He is currently the Director of Research and Dissemination at the Evangelical University of El Salvador. His professional career highlights include research in the fields of social sciences and education, among others.

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