In Ecuador's Amazon region, Nathalia and Jahir are working hard to build brighter futures through education. Thanks to the Roberto Rocca Secondary School Scholarships awarded by Tecpetrol, they are among 39 students receiving support to continue their studies and pursue their ambitions.

"I'm 17 years old and in my final year of high school," says Nathalia Salinas. "I'd like to be an engineer, but to do that, I'll have to move to another city," she explains. "I'm just about to finish school, and it hasn't been easy," says Jahir Troncoso. "Sometimes I’m really exhausted because I help my dad with his work after school." Although they've never met, Nathalia and Jahir have a lot in common: they excel academically, dream of continuing their education, and have earned Roberto Rocca Secondary School Scholarships.

The situation isn’t easy for either of them. Nathalia is studying Electromechanics at the Pacayacu Educational Unit and is doing everything she can to save enough money to move to Quito, where she hopes to live so she can study engineering at university.

"This is the third year in a row that I've received financial support from Tecpetrol, and I've been saving every penny so I can continue my studies," she says. "I’d do anything to make my mum proud. She's raised my brother and me on her own, and she's always encouraged us to work hard, do well in school and do the right thing. I want to honor everything she's done for us."

This year, Roberto Rocca Secondary School Scholarships went to 32 students from Pacayacu Educational Unit and seven from Dureno Educational Unit. According to Darwin Vega, Community Relations Specialist, applicants must maintain a minimum grade average of 8.5, pass a mathematics assessment, and demonstrate commitment, perseverance and a strong work ethic. Their socioeconomic circumstances are also taken into account to ensure the scholarships reach students who need the support most.

Jahir Troncoso, who is studying Computer Science at Dureno Educational Unit, received the scholarship for the first time. He already knows exactly how he will use it. To graduate, students are required to develop and implement a final project related to their field of study that benefits the school.

"We need funding to complete our final project, and I wasn't sure I'd be able to afford it," he says. "Several days a week, and every weekend, I work with my dad cutting timber in the forest, which we sell to support our family. Without the scholarship, finding the extra money to finish school would have been very difficult. I've decided to save it for my final year so I can finish my studies and graduate. My dream is to become a police officer and serve my community."

The scholarship award ceremony was attended by students, parents and teachers, who came together to celebrate the children’s achievements. Many set aside their daily responsibilities to share the moment and congratulate the students as they received their scholarships.

Self-confidence

When Nathalia first heard about the scholarship opportunity at school, she wasn't sure she should apply. "My teachers encouraged me because they saw how hard I was working," she says. "They always believed in me, so I decided to give it a try. I was really nervous, but I ended up getting the scholarship not just once, but three years in a row," she adds with a laugh. "It's incredibly rewarding because it means people outside my family also recognize the effort I've put into achieving my goals."

Jahir also had moments of doubt throughout the application process, but like Nathalia, the encouragement of his teachers and family gave him the confidence to apply. "During the application process, some days I thought I'd get it, and other days I was convinced I wouldn't," he says with a smile. "When I found out I'd been awarded the scholarship, I was so happy. I felt really proud. If any of my classmates are thinking about applying, I'd definitely encourage them to go for it."

Commitment to excel

Tecpetrol's work in education in Ecuador has also earned recognition beyond the classroom. At the 2026 GAIA-SPE Awards, the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) recognized the company's work in the Education category for a project led by Darwin Vega titled Comprehensive Educational Support, Scholarships and Technical Training for the Sustainable Development of Young People in Sucumbíos.

The awards brought together 29 sustainability initiatives submitted by 11 companies from across the energy industry.

For Darwin, however, the greatest reward is seeing the impact these programs have on people’s lives. "I'm incredibly proud that, at Tecpetrol, we're able to support initiatives like this," he says. "Hearing these young people's stories is deeply moving, and it's a privilege to be able to help them achieve their goals. We'll continue doing everything we can to support them."