Dr. Andrés Lima, candidate for Senator – EnFa – Frente Amplio (contracted space). In the heart of our Uruguay, where hope and the future are intertwined, there is a reality that we cannot ignore: thousands of children and adolescents face daily challenges that threaten their opportunities for development and well-being. From the Frente Amplio, we firmly believe that reforming our social protection system is more than a necessity; It is an unavoidable commitment to future generations.
Let’s imagine for a moment a mother who, with the start of the school year, faces the anguish of not being able to cover basic expenses for her children. For this reason, we propose support of $2,500 to families with children in early education centers and ANEP schools. This small gesture can make a big difference, ensuring that every child has the chance to start the school year with a smile, with hope for a bright future.
We cannot sit idly by while lack of access to quality education perpetuates cycles of poverty. Doubling full-time, or extended, coverage in kindergartens and schools is an investment in the future of our children. Every child who enters a classroom is a life that is transformed, an opportunity that opens. We will multiply the scholarships for high school students in public educational centers by five, because we believe in the potential of every young Uruguayan and we want everyone to have the opportunity to dream big.
Higher education should be a right, not a privilege. For this reason, we will open student residences in various regions of the country, allowing 250 young people a year to access university. Let’s imagine the impact of these opportunities on their lives and their communities. Each graduate is a potential leader, an agent of change who can transform their environment.
On the social level, it is vital to increase the amount of the Uruguay Social Card (TUS) and the Crianza Bonus by 50% for the most vulnerable households. These aid are a lifeline for many families struggling to get ahead. We cannot allow poverty to limit the future of our children.
We will extend maternity benefits to self-employed workers and MSME owners, because every mother deserves the support necessary to raise her children and contribute to society.
Housing is a human right. With the First Home Plan, we will facilitate access to mortgage credit for families, offering the possibility of building a home. We will implement collective housing projects for older adults, ensuring that they live with dignity and autonomy. Additionally, establishing a housing stock for affordable rentals and accelerating procedures for housing cooperatives are necessary steps to ensure that everyone has a place to call home.
Mental health is a priority that we cannot leave aside. With the Mental Health Plan 2025-2030, we will address this national emergency with the seriousness it deserves. Improving access to medicines and reducing costs is an ethical obligation. Every person has the right to receive the care they need without cost being a barrier. Reducing waiting times for surgeries and consultations is a commitment to the dignity of every Uruguayan.
Each of these proposals reflects our commitment to a more just and equitable Uruguay. Social protection is not only a duty of the State, but a right of every Uruguayan.
It is our responsibility as a society to guarantee that every boy, girl and young person in Uruguay has the opportunity to achieve their dreams. Together, we can build a country where hope shines in every home and where the future is a horizon full of possibilities.
It is time to act decisively and responsibly, because the future of our childhood and youth depends on the decisions we make today.
