Universidad Indigena Tawantinsuyu

Tawantinsuyu Ajlla (UTA)

Indigenous University, located in Laja and El Alto - Bolivia

THE UNIVERSITY

1. The University has been in operation for three years ago in the town named Laja (45 minutes from the city of La Paz and next to the road that leads to Tiwanaku.
2. The University has five subject matters it is focus on:

• Indigenous Laws,
• Turism
• Indigenous mathematics
• Andean agriculture
• Native medicine

FACULTY and STUDENTS

1. The University has been formed by an association of native professionals who also serve as the teachers.
2. 150 Ayamaraes students of the surrounding communities participate.
3. Lessons are taught in Aymara and Spanish.

THE UNIVERSITY GROWS BY COMMITMENT TO COMMUNITY (AYNI)

4. FINANCE: The students tend to have little money and only pay US$ 20 - per year. All teachers travel and pay their own expenses. It is not possible to pay their wages so they are working as an AYNI or a contribution to the community. In the Aymara culture and many indigenous cultures of the Andes, community thrives because members show their gratitude to spirit (Apus and Achachilas) for providing food and life by doing acts that give back to their community.
5. The classrooms are in the houses of persons that are making AYNI by providing the space to the University. In November 2001, a gift of land was made to the University as ayni of one of the members of the town of Laja. The 1.500 square meters land is large enough to support a few buildings. However, this is going to be very slow and it's going to take the time that our money and time capacities will take.
6. The classrooms only have blackboards and chalks, and chairs.
7. There is some electricity available for the classroom.

- There are plans to use solar technology to provide power to the University in the future.

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THE NEED FOR A UNIVERSITY BASED ON INDIGENOUS WISDOM AND SELF-DETERMINATION

8. Generally the Aymaras do not accept the legitimacy of the invaders government, because history has shown that there is a lack of concern and respect for their approach to life. Many approaches taken by the government have lead to more poverty and therefore there is a lack belief in the system.
9. The only way to advance is to build from within the base for an Indigenous University. The Ayamara have an ancient knowledge then when provided the conditions to flourish served the well being of the people leaving no one poor . Value was not based on money or goods alone but on valuing the community and spirit world that make life possible. There far less in-equity at the time.

10. Contacts:

Illapa I. Kallisaya, Editor

La Voz del Condor

Telephone: 2-380-320 (La Paz, Bolivia)

And

Milton Gonzales

Cellular Phone: 71573250 (La Paz, Bolivia)