The University of El Salvador (UES) is performing a study to verify the feasibility of establishing an Institute for Applied Science and Technology (INCTAUES) in the five departments of Morazán, Chalatenango, Cabañas, Ahuachapán and Usulután. The intellectual authors of the INCTAUES envision the educational centers as stepping stones to university education, creating an intermediary nexus between high school and college education.
The diagnostic will assess the feasibility of establishing the INCTAUES in terms of its potential to fulfill the guidelines put in place by the UES. The assessment will also calculate the required budget to begin classes, the architectural design, and define the degree choices that will be offered based on local needs and the territorial character.
Morazán’s Reality of Educational Poverty
The Morazán population lives a reality of educational vulnerability. The only option to continue post-bachelor studies is to displace to the neighboring department of San Miguel or even to San Salvador. The percentage of native Morazán students that study in San Miguel is high. According to a representative of the University of Andres Bello, located in San Miguel, some 20% of their student population comes from Morazán. Such displacement requires extra cost and time.
The INCTAUES may provide a solution to this vulnerability; its structure will take into account the socio-economic vulnerability of its student population. The graduation requirements, for example, are completing 80 hours of module or unit rather than two consecutive years of studies (these two years can be an insuperable financial obstacle). In this form, students will be able to leave their studies for a time to work and save money and then to reinsert themselves.
A Diversification of Degree Options
On January 17th, civil society members, representatives from the local and national government, and representatives from NGOs met in ADEL Morazán to conform four consulting roundtables. The consulting firm, OBRA Latino, facilitated the dialogue with structured questions directed towards the participating parties. The questions were oriented towards reflection on the necessities of the department of Morazán also considering its labor potential. The roundtables discussed the territorial potential of Morazán and how to offer a diversity of degrees rather than replicating the traditional degrees that are already offered in San Miguel and San Salvador (computing and law). The following was discussed:
-The receptivity of local businesses to hire candidates with two-year degrees, also taking into account that there are no businesses in Morazán.
-How Morazán articulates, or has junction points, with the surrounding departments of La Union and San Miguel. The Port of La Union was identified as a tourist and commercial center.
