What is UNIMINUTO? It’s the largest private university in Colombia  Some statistics: 85.000 students,- 9 cities – 42 municipalities – 5 Faculties – 32 academic programs – One virtual University – 7 Research Centers – Faculty of Communication Sciences: 3000 students – 220 professors & researchers – 8 academic programs – Centre for Communications Studies – School for Development Media How UNIMINUTO has built a university model that combines and connects the academic dimension with the needs and demands of the society/community? What have we learned? In what stage are we?
What have we learned? In what stage are we? THE CLUE UNIVERSIDAD MINUTO DE DIOS MINUTE OF GOD UNIVERSITY????? It’s founding story is considered a Colombian patrimony, a model of development and social/economic change THE PAST • In 1953 a priest of the Catholic Congregation of Jesus and Mary started a fundraising campaign through radio (prime time hours) to get money for the refugees and poor people that were victims of the “first violence” 30’s. He got 1 minute time to call “rich audiences” for help. The program was broadcasted every day at 7pm and its name was “The Minute of God” • It was very successful and with the money gathered he could help people to get houses and food. • In 1957 TV started in Colombia, and Father Rafael Garcia Herreros saw an opportunity. So, as he was well known by then, he got 3 minutes on-air TV (prime time) for his “Minuto de Dios”. • In 1960 he started a housing project through his TV segment. Every week he gave a house to a poor family. In 54 years this project has built more houses than any governmental housing project in Colombia. • Little by little Minute for God -which was born as a fundraising campaign in the media- became the most prestigious social corporation of Colombia. • Is not only very well known, but has built up a whole development model that includes: education, infrastructure, economics, social work, and communication • In 1990 was founded a university that represents the ideals of educating a new generation of Colombians: • Good citizens – Good professionals • High standards of research and innovation • Attitude to serve others • Committed to built up a new Colombia, with peace and prosperity • In 1994 was created the Faculty of Communication, with emphasis in participatory and community work. • In 1996 arose the Communication Research Division • In 2000 was created the Media School for Development • In 2014 we opened the our first Masters Degree, in Communication, Development and Social Change. LESSONS University learns from and with communities. It’s in its nature:
CHALLENGES The post conflict in Colombia • To integrate thousands of young people (former combatants) to the society, including the education and economic systems. • Prepare the soc iety (open minds) for process: our students and families, professors and academic community, our partners and the system in general.• Shape together new methodologies and practices for reconciliation. • Build a participative way with new schooling opportunities appropriate for people joining the education system for the first time • Contribute to the post conflict period through C4D capacities of social dialogue and negotiation in an intercultural society as Colombia is. The strength of capacity building • Strength the relationship among the construction of theoretical frameworks for C4D to understand reality, and, the communication practices and initiatives coming from grassroots experiences. • Influence and impact national high education policies on how the Colombian universities must accompany, and contribute to community’s proposals and initiatives within a deep participative framework. Not only “using communities” for scientific research.
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