University of Antioquia. ” width=”640″ height=”451″ srcset=”https://www.teleantioquia.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Protesta-Universidad-de-Antioquia-1024×721.jpeg 1024w, https://www.teleantioquia.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Protesta-Universidad-de-Antioquia-300×211.jpeg 300w, https://www.teleantioquia.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Protesta-Universidad-de-Antioquia-768×541.jpeg 768w, https://www.teleantioquia.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Protesta-Universidad-de-Antioquia.jpeg 1176w” sizes=”(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px”/>In the middle of the demonstration that hundreds of students, workers and professors from the University of Antioquia they did through the streets of Medellín During this Thursday, November 14, from different sectors They spoke about the financial gap that the university campus has.
“At this moment we are with fear that the university can’t work next year; because if there are not enough resources to finish this year, next year, we do not know what the situation will be,” said Vanessa Martínez, Physics student. “We need a financial rescue from the National Government,” he added.
What protesters call “defunding” amounts to 138 billion. To alleviate the situation, the The Government of Antioquia generated a series of strategies. In June, for example, he made a advance transfer of 11 billion pesos after the delay in payroll payment that the institution had with its employees.
#Medellín/ Students of the U of A. mobilize in rejection of the financial crisis that the institution is going through. They left the Alma Mater heading to La Alpujarra where they will hold a sit-in. pic.twitter.com/8pjDjWSnwo
— Denuncias Antioquia (@DenunciasAntio2) November 14, 2024
“The Government of Antioquia, which I have the honor of presiding over, has made the decision in view of the complex moments that the finances of the University of Antioquia are going through, to give cash flow to the Alma Mater. In this way they will be able meet your payroll commitments“said Governor Andrés Julián Rendón Cardona.
The problems at the University of Antioquia did not stop there
However, the University remained with the problems financial structural. Then came a new intervention of the Government of Antioquia, through the Institute for the Development of Antioquia, IDEA. This entity made a treasury loan, which will help to finish 2024 with a deficit of 48 billion pesos.
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“Today I want to tell you that with the IDEA we have made the decision, after no banking entity lent to the University, to put a loan on the table treasury up to 90 billion pesos so that the University professors do not end the year without payment”added the leader of the Antioqueños.
Although the U. of A. itself requested more support, they also recognized the aid from the departmental government. The rector Jhon Jairo Arboleda stated: “What I appreciate the disposition of the departmental government to pay for it, this is a loan from IDEA, under very good conditions, of course.”
This problematic university has origin in various factors: la ley 30For example. This determines the resources that the State gives to public universities, but for the institution it has not represented a significant increase in recent years.
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To this suman structural and administrative problems at the Alma Mater in its most recent administrations. For its part, the departmental government insists in alleviating the crisis, starting from the constant request for austerity to the university.
At this time, citizen mobilization is in Plaza Botero, holding a sit-in. U of A. students mobilize in rejection of the financial crisis that the institution is going through. #InDevelopment pic.twitter.com/wj8kfScTuh
— Guardianes Antioquia Official (@Guardianes_Ant) November 14, 2024
«One more cause that unites us»
In the midst of this panorama, the Mayor of Medellín, Federico Gutiérrez, He reported that his Administration is ready to provide solutions by teaming up with the Government. The governor reacted to that statement: “Welcome mayor to this discussion, one more cause that unites us.”
[VIDEO]: “Welcome mayor to this discussion, one more cause that unites us,” was the message from the governor of Antioquia, @AndresJRendonC regarding the financial problem that the @UdeA pic.twitter.com/e3yCb23OQh
— Teleantioquia (@Teleantioquia) November 15, 2024
2024-11-14 23:54:00
#Protesters #happen #University #Antioquia
What specific impacts have the financial crisis and funding shortages had on the educational experience at the University of Antioquia?
**Interview with Vanessa Martínez, Physics Student and Protest Organizer**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Vanessa. Can you describe the motivation behind the recent protests at the University of Antioquia?
**Vanessa Martínez:** Thank you for having me. We are protesting primarily due to deep financial concerns. The university is facing a severe funding crisis, with a deficit of 138 billion pesos this year. We fear that without proper financial support, the university may struggle to operate next year. It’s a critical situation, and we are advocating for a rescue plan from the National Government to ensure we can continue our education without interruption.
**Editor:** You mentioned a financial gap. How has this gap affected students, faculty, and university operations?
**Vanessa Martínez:** The financial difficulties have created anxiety among students and staff alike. Delayed payroll for faculty and staff has become a recurrent issue, which affects morale and the quality of education. Students are worried not only about our studies but also about the future of the university as an institution. With uncertainty around funding, we fear for our academic programs and the ability to support our faculty.
**Editor:** The Antioquian government has intervened with some emergency measures. Can you comment on these actions?
**Vanessa Martínez:** While we appreciate the efforts taken by the Antioquian government, such as a treasury loan to help cover payroll, these measures are temporary fixes. The university’s underlying structural financial problems remain unresolved. We need a long-term solution that addresses the funding model set by laws like Ley 30, which has not significantly increased our resources in recent years.
**Editor:** What are the next steps for the student movement, and how can the community support your cause?
**Vanessa Martínez:** Our movement will continue to mobilize and advocate for the financial support we urgently need. We are planning more demonstrations and awareness campaigns to involve the wider community. We encourage everyone to join us in calling for a sustainable financial model that supports public education. The future of our education system depends on it, and we need collective action to make our voices heard.
**Editor:** Thank you, Vanessa, for your insights and for sharing your perspective. We wish you and the university community the best in addressing these pressing issues.
**Vanessa Martínez:** Thank you! We appreciate the opportunity to raise awareness about our cause. Together, we can make a difference.
