Colombia Establishes Its Own Indigenous Educational System, a Milestone for Latin America
Colombia has become the first country in Latin America to implement its Own Indigenous Educational System (SEIP), following the signing of a protocol agreement between representatives of indigenous peoples and organizations and the national government. This significant announcement was made during the VII Permanent Consultation Table and the 60th session of the National Commission for Work and Consultation on Education for Indigenous Peoples.
The agreement was led by the Minister of Education, Daniel Rojas Medellín, who emphasized that this new educational system represents a significant advancement in recognizing the rights of indigenous peoples. "This news is a restorative act for historically marginalized indigenous peoples," the minister stated, highlighting the importance of establishing a system that respects cultural differences.
The SEIP, which honors the social, cultural, linguistic, and territorial particularities of indigenous peoples, is the result of 16 years of struggles and dialogues. This system will enable coexistence with the National Educational System, becoming an innovative model not only for Colombia but for all of Latin America. "This is a construction that has come from our grandparents," said Mayor Ernesto Ramiro Estacio, emphasizing the importance of the organizational processes of indigenous peoples.
The new system includes pedagogical, administrative, and political processes that will grant indigenous authorities control over their education and the preservation of their cultural identity. Educational facilitators, along with cultural knowledge keepers and elders, will be responsible for guiding these processes in close relationship with Mother Earth.
Yaini Contreras Jiménez, a counselor for the National Indigenous Organization of Colombia (ONIC), highlighted the hard work carried out over the years to achieve this milestone and reaffirmed her confidence in the commitment of President Gustavo Petro's National Development Plan, which makes the SEIP possible.