“In the National Government we are committed to building a culture of peace, through an exercise that must call on the entire society to overcome the cycles of violence that have generated injuries and pain for decades. We will continue to accompany the Educational Institutions Superior in the design and implementation of strategies, protocols and care and prevention routes against any type of violence on campus…” – Aurora Vergara Figueroa, Minister of Education
(Reposted from: Ministry of National Education Colombia. June 9, 2023)
Bogotá DC, June 9, 2023. Given the events recorded yesterday in four official universities in the country in the framework of the commemoration of the Day of the Fallen Student, the Ministry of National Education rejects any act that affects the dignity and life of the citizenry and invites the student and teacher movements, the servants and directors of the educational community, as well as the Public Force, to unite around dialogue and the construction of peace.
“No more violence, neither by the State against youth, nor by youth among themselves, including youth in uniform. We seek youth peace, a non-violence pact so that the university is a space for knowledge and free expression,” said the President of the Republic, Gustavo Petro Urrego on his twitter account.
“We seek youth peace, a non-violence pact so that the university is a space for knowledge and free expression.” – President of the Republic, Gustavo Petro Urrego
For her part, the Minister of Education, Aurora Vergara Figueroa, recognized the historical relevance of student movements and the place they have in the transformations that the country requires. “We invite you to build scenarios of peace and coexistence in the universities, where the right to free expression is respected and a knowledge society is built,” she said.
The head of the Education portfolio affirmed that in the next National Council of the State University System (SUE), which will be held on June 14 in the city of Armenia, they will review as a matter of priority, together with the 34 rectors of the official HEIs , prevention and care strategies that can be developed between the National Government, territorial entities and educational institutions to deal with violent acts on university campuses.
“In the National Government we are committed to building a culture of peace, through an exercise that must call on the entire society to overcome the cycles of violence that have generated injuries and pain for decades. We will continue to accompany the Educational Institutions Superior in the design and implementation of strategies, protocols and care and prevention routes against any type of violence on campus, preserving the constitutional support of university autonomy, in coordination with the territorial authorities and the educational community,” added the Minister Vergara.
Similarly, the Ministry of Education expresses its feelings of solidarity with the individuals and families affected during the riots yesterday, and sends a message of support and speedy recovery to the National Police patrolman, Jhon Fredys Rodríguez Sandoval.
From the Government of Change we continue to promote spaces for dialogue, coexistence and human security in the educational institutions of the country. Through the ‘Permanent Dialogues for Higher Education’ we continue to listen to the proposals of students, teachers and servants of the educational sector, with the purpose of building from and with educational communities throughout the country, the Law Reform project 30 of 1992 that we dream as a society.
The regions participate in the construction of the Reform to Law 30 of 1992
Through the National Route of ‘Permanent Dialogues for Higher Education’, an exercise of citizen participation is promoted that opens scenarios to debate the problems, challenges and proposals of higher education with educational communities throughout the country. The next dialogue will take place on June 15 in the department of Arauca.
It is noteworthy that, in accordance with what is projected in the National Development Plan, ´Colombia, World Power of Life 2022 – 2026´, the Ministry of Education and the other entities responsible for management in the educational sector, will promote, encourage and they will guarantee the effective exercise of the participation of the university community and other actors, in all the decisions that may define the foundations and planning of public policy in matters of higher education.
