Strengthening pedagogical development for a safe and quality education for all

The University of the Autonomous Regions of the Nicaraguan Caribbean Coast (URACCAN), as part of the strengthening of the academic actions it has developed since the COVID-19 pandemic affected our country, has implemented its own security protocol based on the worldview of indigenous peoples, Afro-descendants and mestizos of the Caribbean Coast to prevent such disease. With this look participates in the forum "Higher Education in Nicaragua 2020 and the impact of COVID-19" carried out by the National Council of University (UNC), in the facilities of the National Autonomous University of Nicaragua (UNAN-Managua) with the purpose of sharing, analyzing and valuing good practices and educational experiences in the training of professionals in a context of global emergency.

The call it brings together has academics and experts at national and international level is carried out in person and virtual under the motto "Towards a new Educational, Relevant and Quality Model". The activity is in the participation of UNC member universities (public, community and subsidized), national educational bodies such as MINED, INATEC, Presidency of the Republic through the Minister Adviser for Education Affairs, the National Council for Evaluation and Accreditation, among other institutions that contribute to educational consolidation in Nicaragua.

Lectures

The Forum began with the dissertation of Dr. Ramona Rodríguez, president of the UNC and rector of UNAN-Managua, who in her address highlighted the processes developed in the adaptation to face COVID-19, which forced all member universities to create conditions to continue the development of the academic year in its different dimensions.

Subsequently Dr. Dolly Montoya, rector of the National University of Colombia and President of the Union of Universities of Latin America and the Caribbean (UDUAL), who shared Master Conference 1 "Curriculum Planning in the Context of the Pandemic". The academic highlighted the different academic instruments and processes made to counteract the effects of COVID-19, forcing them to rething education in this new context without losing the essence of the university since the construction of academic curriculums.

Likewise, the Cro. Salvador Vanegas, minister advisor to the President of Nicaragua for Education Affairs, presented The Master Conference 2 "Educational Continuity in Nicaragua during the Pandemic. A holistic approach that includes the different subsystems", highlighting Nicaragua's success and its policies on continuity of education in the midst of the pandemic. Our country is the only one in the region that since the pandemic affected the nation, has never suspended its educational development. For which the government has created security protocols tailored to existing realities.

Each of the speakers highlighted educational elements and methodologies implemented in this context and which strengthened pedagogical teaching processes despite the new normality in the world.

Adjust to the new context with relevance

Dr. Alta Hooker, rector of URACCAN, who participates in this important meeting, emphasizes the fundamental role that traditional doctors play in the prevention of this pandemic, from their own worldviews, knowledge and practices, being a reference for Western medicine.

In turn, he says that one of the greatest learnings obtained is the joint work that was done to prevent the contagion of COVID-19, "we have managed to open laboratories for the production of alcohol and chlorine, in addition to being sharing every day the measures in each of the territories have opened up more awareness than if I take care of myself , I take care of you."

The COVID-19 Pandemic has been a challenge for higher education, and rething aspects of accessibility has been essential for learning processes, so training for decent ones is paramount to ensuring relevant and quality education, as UNC-president Ramona Rodriguez says, "to continue operating in our universities continue to operate in an environment of chaos , we need to be training to take on incorporating new technologies into educational processes."

URACCAN, thanks to the efforts that have been achieved since the rectory, has been a model in the implementation of security measures in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, creating mechanisms and strategies to prioritize quality education for all, in a safe environment, strengthening the teaching-learning process for the development of indigenous peoples.