With the purpose of comprehensively advancing in the formulation and execution of an Educational System Owned by Indigenous Peoples in the pedagogical, political and organizational components, the governor of Cesar, Elvia Milena Sanjuán Dávila, signed in Valledupar an inter-administrative contract with the governing councils of the Iroka and Sokorpa reservations, of the Yukpa community, which lives in the Serranía del Perijá, in the jurisdiction of the municipalities of Agustín Codazzi and Becerril, with which it guarantees education to more than 3,200 boys, girls and young people of this ethnic group in 74 locations of seven Educational Institutions, in the most remote areas of the territory.
“We are really satisfied, this is an early victory in favor of our indigenous peoples. We signed an agreement that will allow us to provide education to more than 3,200 boys and girls of the Yukpa ethnic group, in the Iroka and Sokorpa reservations; With their governing councils we have assumed the commitment to continue growing in education in these communities; For the Government of Cesar it is important to reach all corners of the department and grow our traditions, our culture, and especially tell our indigenous people that we are on the move,” said the governor, Elvia Milena Sanjuán Dávila.
This is an investment of more than $9.5 billion, of which $7.233 million was allocated to the Iroka reservation to benefit 2,445 students from 69 locations, from five establishments in Codazzi, comprising a comprehensive educational basket with the service of 107 teachers, educational materials support, school, sports and hygiene kits; and an infrastructure improvement component, serving the preschool, primary, post-primary and middle grades within a period of 10 months.
For the Sokorpa reservation, the Government of Cesar allocated $2,303 million, in order to serve 800 students from 15 locations of two Educational Institutions, contemplating the service of 26 teachers for the preschool, primary, post-primary and middle grades; in addition to including support materials, sports kits, school kits, cleaning and a component to improve the infrastructure of educational venues.
The governing council of the Sokorpa reservation, Adolfo Enrique Garcerán, after signing the agreement with Governor Elvia Milena Sanjuán Dávila, indicated that “as a Yukpa people we want to thank the departmental administration for its trust and commitment to bringing education to every corner of our six safeguards; thanks to the Government of Cesar that has understood that we as indigenous communities also have wisdom, and we want a good education for our children; but also the development of our people.”
In the middle of the formal ceremony, with a massive presence of the Yukpa people, Altanares Estrada, leader of the community, and representing the women of this ethnic group, presented a backpack and necklaces to Governor Elvia Milena Sanjuán Dávila, in a gesture of gratitude, but also recognition of the strength of women in the production of these products that identify their customs and traditions.
The governor, Elvia Milena Sanjuán Dávila, thanked the Yukpa community for its support in bringing education to their territories, announcing that this government will continue promoting initiatives for the benefits of indigenous peoples such as the acquisition of land, the development of productive projects and impact the quality of life of each and every one of the members of the reservations.