Brasília - Representatives of the government, public universities and Indian associations are participating in a two-day seminar on university education for Indians ("Desafios para uma Educação Superior para os Povos Indígenas no Brasil"). The seminar is supported by the Interamerican Development Bank and seeks ways and means to provide university education compatible with the country's ethnic diversity. An affirmative action program is being debated.

"We want to work with public and private universities on a quota system. But we do not want this to be on the basis of favors or privilege; we are just making up for the errors of the past," explains Douglas de Souza, at the Ministry of Education's secretariat for Racial Equality (Secretaria Especial para Políticas de Promoção da Igualdade Racial do Ministério da Educação) (Seppir/MEC).

According to the 2000 census, out of a total Indian population of around 700,000, only some 7,000 (1%) have a university degree. The idea is to change that. "If we have a chance to get an education we have a chance to have a better future. This will prepare us for studies and discussion of our problems," says Iolanda dos Santos, a Potiguara Indian.

Douglas de Souza says the seminar will make it possible to face the problem of ethnic-racial prejudice in Brazil and reduce it. He says Brazil is one of the countries most frequently charged with crimes of racism at the Organization of American States. "The present administration is committed to resolving this problem but there are historical issues that make it difficult," says Souza.

Agência Brasil
Reporter: Daniel Dutra
Translator: Allen Bennett
08/31/2004