Higher Education and Indigenous Peoples in the Context of COVID-19 (Phase 1)

This research project addresses the deepening structural inequalities affecting indigenous peoples amidst the socio-sanitary crisis, highlighting the digital divides that hinder virtual education. The study focuses on analyzing the cognitive, socio-emotional, cultural, linguistic, and family implications that educational virtualization has had on indigenous students across three Salesian universities (UPS, UCDB, UCSH). The research utilizes a mixed methodology (quantitative and qualitative) with an intercultural perspective. Quantitatively, a virtual survey will be administered to measure the material and emotional effects of the crisis. Qualitatively, multiple case studies will be conducted, including semi-structured interviews with administrators and faculty (following the Mapuche logic of nütram) and focus groups with students. Additionally, a documentary analysis of institutional policies will be performed. The ultimate goal is to map the critical bottlenecks and challenges these institutions face in providing culturally relevant education, assessing the effectiveness and cultural appropriateness of the support actions deployed during the emergency.<br/><br/><b>Goal</b>: <br/>To analyze the effects of the current socio-sanitary crisis on the personal and sociocultural dimensions of the educational process for indigenous students across three Salesian universities, and to evaluate the institutional response implemented to support this specific student group.<br/><br/><b>Research lines</b>: <br/>Education and interculturality