On May 21, we unanimously approved in the first debate PL 383C of 2024, which seeks to “recognize the Technological University of Chocó as a Public Higher Education Institution with an Interethnic, Intercultural and Biodiverse focus, and allocate additional resources from the general budget of the University.” Nation, without prejudice to university autonomy and principles of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.”
Collided Power of Life
“Biodiversity is to life what cultural diversity is to peace”
Chocó is part of the Pacific macro-basin made up of 9 different biomes: tropical humid forest, mangroves, estuaries, wetlands, cloud forest, mountains, marine ecosystems, tropical dry forests, grasslands and savannahs.
With the colonialist antecedents and structural racism, a model has been imposed that ignores the multiculturalism, knowledge, arts and ancestry of these territories, generating poverty and dependence on other centralities.
The department of Chocó faces a series of challenges in the field of higher education. Despite its cultural wealth, biodiversity and human potential, significant gaps persist in access to university education. In this context, the Technological University of Chocó – Diego Luis Córdoba (UTCH) emerges as a vital alternative for the social transformation and sustainable development of the region.
Taking into account the realities and constant challenges that these territories experience in terms of higher education, there is a deficit for the department in terms of guarantees of access to higher education for young people. According to 2018 data, in the department of Chocó an average of 1,642 students are registered for each Higher Education Institution (IES), a figure that is below the national average, which is 8,161 students per IES (https:// www.universidad.edu.co/presencia-de-la-educacion-superior-en-quibdo-y-el-choco/).
For the analysis of the project, it is important to highlight the historical neglect that the department of Chocó has suffered, evidenced in the negative balance of generation of opportunities for youth. The following are important factors to improve with this legislative initiative:
Limited access: Access to higher education in Chocó is limited due to factors such as geographic distance, lack of adequate infrastructure, and scarcity of economic resources. Many talented young people are deprived of the opportunity to continue their studies beyond basic education.
Violated social fabric: the history of Chocó is marked by armed conflicts, forced displacements and structural inequalities. These factors have deeply affected the social fabric of the territories, leaving scars that require urgent attention.
Need for an interethnic and intercultural approach: the ethnic and cultural diversity of Chocó is its greatest strength. However, to take full advantage of it, it is crucial to implement an interethnic and intercultural approach in higher education. This implies recognizing and valuing the traditions, knowledge and worldviews of the Afro-descendant and indigenous communities present in the region.
UTCH stands as a beacon of hope in the midst of these challenges. Its commitment to the comprehensive training of students, its focus on biodiversity and its openness to cultural diversity make it a key institution for the revitalization of the department of Chocó. However, for the UTCH to fully fulfill its role, it is imperative that additional funds of nearly 60 billion distributed in 20 thousand annually be allocated to overcome the deficit and allow:
(I) improve infrastructure, equip laboratories and libraries, and provide access to modern technologies, (II) facilitate access to higher education through scholarships and financial support programs, and (III) encourage applied research that addresses the specific challenges of the Chocó, such as environmental conservation and sustainable management of natural resources.
The UTCH has three sub-headquarters in Istmina, Quibdó and Bahía Solano, and plans to build another in Medio Baudó, San Juan and Darién – Riosucio. The accumulated deficit is 20 billion annually, with the per capita cost per student being $6,437,748, with the national average being $7,728,298. In a University that has an increase in coverage of 30% between 2018 and 2024, it is necessary to structure more appropriate financing from the General Budget of the Nation.
The project is a tribute to the greatness of Dr. Diego Luis Córdoba, and a way to appreciate three of his greatest achievements in his fight for a life project for our Afro-Colombian People. Let’s see:
The creation of the department of Chocó and its political independence from Antioquia. He wanted to make Chocó the Free Homeland of the Black People within the national territory.
The real recognition of the right to education for the person and Black Communities. Education is the basis of the struggle of Black People to eliminate racism and conquer our rights. His masterful phrase must always be alive in the conscience of every black person, of every Colombian: “Through ignorance one descends into servitude; through education one ascends to freedom.”
He achieved respect and praise for the presence, prominence, intelligence and values of the black person and the Afro-Colombian Communities.
Pedro Baracutao
