Bolivia: decree orders to create three indigenous universities

decree orders to create three indigenous universities

Warisata (La Paz), August 02 (ABI).- This Saturday, in a special ceremony carried out at the first indigenous school of Warisata, Omasuyos Province, the Bolivian President, Evo Morales signed the decree 29664 which orders to create three indigenous universities where the degree programs will be given in native languages such as Aymara, Quechua and Guarani.

These universities will be set in the Departments of La Paz, Cochabamba and Chuquisaca. They will be funded with economic resources of Direct Taxes on Hydrocarbons through the "Fondo Indigena", which already has Bs 366 million from that total 15 percent will be used to build the universities.

"The indigenous university purpose is to decolonize Bolivia. The lessons will be in Aymara. Spanish will be just a subject", the President stated in front of a crowd, the local authorities as well as some Ministers who were part of that important ceremony.

For Magdalena Cajias, Minister of Education, the fact that these future universities give lessons in native languages is a historic step for Bolivia.

"The first university in Bolivia was created more than 300 years ago, after all that time now three indigenous universities are being created, which finally will be based on our society values, focusing the education from our own perspective," Cajias said.

The most important subject inside the careers provided by these universities will be economy, social sciences, history and environment as well as arts, sports and foreign languages.

AYMARA UNIVERSITY

Called "Universidad Tupac Katari", it will be located in Warisata, Omasuyos Province, Department of La Paz. This university will offer degrees in Agronomy, specialized in high plain farming; Food and Textile industry and Veterinary Sciences.

QUECHUA UNIVERSITY

This university will be in Chimore, Carrasco Province, Department of Cochabamba; it will be called "Universidad Casimiro Huanca" and will offer degrees in Food Industry, Reforestation and Fish Farming.

GUARANI UNIVERSITY

It will be named "Universidad Boliviana Guaraní y Pueblos de Tierras Bajas" and will be located in Curuyuqui community, Luis Calvo Province, Department of Chuquisaca; it will offer degrees in Hydrocarbons, Reforestation, Fish Farming and Veterinary Sciences.

At the end of their subjects, the students will have to develop a project on productive issues and present that in the native language of each university (Aymara, Quechua or Guarani) in order to get their degree.

Besides, the university graduates will get access to grants given by the Government.

Fas/Rq ABI
Translation: Sonia Prado