Growth
2009 Reports and 2010 Plans
2007 Inauguration
2007 5th Training Seminar
2007 Accreditation Steps
2007 Plan Drawings
2006 Accreditation Steps
2005-2006 122 Students Enrolled
2009 Reports and 2010 Plans
ACCREDITATION – REPORT 2009
Of the four programs of study that require approval by the University of Panama in order to obtain accreditation, only that of Technician in Sustainable Development and Environmental Studies has passed so far. Nevertheless, the entire program of Bachelor of Science and Math Education has passed revision, with the exception of the program of mathematics.
Both the graduate degree in Higher Education and the Technical degree in Administration of Small Economies have been graded “B” by the specialists, which means that they only lack a few additional corrections. Part of the problem lies in the fact that it is an ever-changing scene: the University of Panama is constantly changing its criteria. Another problem is that Ngabe-Bukle Universidad is not adequately represented at the University of Panama. In a recent visit to the University, the new director of the Vice-Rectory recommended that they take the program to a specialist recognized by the University of Panama, who would then be able to provide adequate follow-up to push the program through all the bureaucracy.
UNgB continues to develop a new course of study, a four-year Bachelor’s degree in Bilingual Intercultural Education (EIB, for its initials in Spanish). World Bank funding of the EIB has been postponed due to the rejection of the program by the new Minister of Education. UNgB feels that it is a very important project, and that the World Bank or another institution could still cover it, working directly with the UNgB, instead of going through the Ministry of Education. Panama is one of the only countries in Latin America that is not attending the needs of its native population with this type of education.
ACCREDITATION PLAN 2010
UNgB believes that the Bachelor’s degree in Science and Math Education and the Graduate Degree in Higher Education will pass without further problems. They will review the recommendation to contact a curricular specialist from the University of Panama to help get the Technical degree in Administration of Small Economies approved. During the year, they will finish writing the proposal for a Bachelor’s degree in Bilingual Intercultural Education.
SOLOY CLASSES – REPORT 2009
UNgB recently received a letter from the new Ministry of Education informing them that since they are not yet accredited, they cannot occupy the classrooms of the Soloy high school for their classes (they had been offering classes in Soloy for students who reside there and the Universidad students use the lab for their studies and research). This creates an emergency need to locate another site for classes.
SOLOY CLASSES - PLAN 2010
To be able to continue offering classes in Soloy, UNgB urgently needs to find or create classroom space. Last year they had hoped to rent office space, but found that there is no adequate place available for office, much less classrooms. They need four classrooms, however simple they may be. Given the time constraints and local uncertainties, they are considering a bare-bones building system. This would involve a standard roof and ceiling supported by a metal frame, over a concrete tile floor with plywood/screen partition walls. Classrooms could be built to serve minimum present needs in just a matter of weeks, and years later, as future needs indicate, the Universidad Ngäbe-Bugle would be free to continue as is, move the buildings elsewhere, or provide standard flooring and walls for complete permanent facilities. In addition, a small storeroom could be added on to a two-room classroom building for storage of classroom furniture and a few beds (for those professors who need a place to stay), as well as office functions, files, etc.
The classroom buildings would not be secure against theft, but they would resist wind and rain, and would only cost between $5-10 per square foot. The cost of a 60’X30’, two-classroom building and storeroom would be around $10,000. UNgB also requires four bathrooms ($3,000). They will have to have water. One property they are considering (which would cost $5,000) is on a hilltop, at a greater elevation than the community water supply. It would require the installation of a pump to fill a tank. It would function with solar panels, battery and inverter, for an estimated cost of $2,000. At this point, they do not know what the cost will be to prepare an access road. Two $10,000 buildings, $3,000 bathrooms, $2,000 water, $5,000 for the purchase of land, and $5,000 for contingencies, brings them to a maximum of $35,000 for construction.
The most economical classroom furnishings identified so far are stackable plastic chairs ($10 each) and plastic 2’X4’ folding tables ($60 each), and blackboards ($100 each) a total of about $6,000.
Their specific plan is to purchase a piece of land adequate for the future development of the UNgB work in Soloy and begin construction immediately, taking advantage of the forecast for a very long dry season this year. Meanwhile, they are consulting the Bahá’í Institute about the possibility of renting space for classes for one semester. If that space is not available, they will approach the Evangelist School. There are not many private institutions in the area with adequate facilities for their need.
During the year, UngB will complete two four-month semesters of classes following the same schedule as before, of classes every other weekend. There are about forty students graduating from the Soloy high school who have expressed an interest in studying at the UNgB this year. The inclusion of this group will make it easier to establish a convenient and varied schedule for every study weekend.
It is also evident that classes in Soloy cannot continue without the half scholarship for all students ($40 per semester). Additionally, it is their desire to offer full scholarships to the two best students in each group, eight more students. This is twenty-four full scholarships in all.
ADMINISTRATION – REPORT 2009
The most important achievement in this area was the establishment of a new Foundation, the Fundación Para el Desarrollo de la Universidad Ngäbe-Bugle. UNgB was at last able to obtain the signatures and photocopies of national ID cards of all 25 members. Their lawyer reports that with the new Government things are slow, but that the paperwork is making its way through the Ministry of Government and Justice.
In an attempt to obtain publicity and eventually local assistance, Bernardino Sánchez and Anita Jorgensen made a presentation of the UNgB in a meeting of foreign nationals in Boquete. It was very well received.
UNgB also received a visit from Mrs. Ruhi Zandra, an experienced filmmaker who came on behalf of the Mona Foundation to record their experiences. She visited their classes and also the installations in Quebrada Guabo.
This year the student body repeated the cultural event of last year. They named a queen, had a party for the community (once again, without alcohol) and made a public presentation to share what the Universidad Ngäbe-Bugle is doing. They made it clear that the programs offered by the UNgB are the best instrument for achieving the development of the Comarca. This act gave a positive identity to the group, and a positive image of the University. The Mayor and the President of the Municipal Council attended. Rector Bernardino Sánchez also spoke to the group.
ADMINISTRATION – PLAN 2010
Until such time as he can sign a contract with the new Foundation to work full-time for the UNgB (which we estimate to be around March), their current Rector has offered his vacation time (a total of one month, perhaps divided into one-week intervals) to attend the most urgent needs at the University of Panama and help reform the Internal Regulations. He will be present in the Soloy classes as a professor. He will be close to the construction project. Once the new Foundation has been legalized, Mr. Sanchez will enter into full-time service to the UNgB.
The main administrative focus will be on training the members of the new Foundation. In due course, the Government of Panama will make the new Foundation a legal entity. New legislation requires that the Foundation operate for a full year to be able to obtain a note from the Ministry of Education declaring it active and fulfilling its stated function, before the Foundation can apply to the Ministry of Economy and Finances for permission to receive tax-exempt donations from Panamanians.
UNgB would like to expand the student cultural event to help fulfill one of the goals of the Foundation of fomenting exhibitions and presentations directly related to the development of the native culture. There may be a contest in Ngäbere language oratory.
PROFESSOR TRAINING – PLAN 2010
There are two documents written by Dr. Farzam Arbab el al which would be very helpful in focusing the vision, goals and principles of education used by the Universidad Ngäbe-Bugle: “FUNDAEC: Its Principles and Activities” (“FUNDAEC: Sus Fundamentos y Líneas de Acción”) and “CELATER: A Conceptual Framework” (“CELATER: Marco Conceptual”). UNgB’s plan is to invite a representative of the Rural University in Colombia to offer a four-day seminar using these documents.
ANAM (The National Environmental Authority) and the Community of Practice, a Canadian institution, is going to hold seminars in universities that are committed to Native American areas, during the next three years. UNgB consulted a few months ago with their representative, Mrs. Alibeth de Gracia, who has shown interest in carrying out a seminar with their professors in Ecosystemic Health. The UNgB only has to pay rental for the site and for the cook for this five-day seminar. It is understood that after these three years of seminars, there exists a possibility of developing a research project.
One of the goals of the new Foundation is to sponsor a seminar each year. This year, the subject may be Bilingual Intercultural Education. In due course, the Foundation will develop a plan for this activity.
CTLC – QUEBRADA GUABO – REPORT 2009
At this time, the CTLC continues its service as a community resource. However, their full-time administrator has just quit, without warning.
CTLC – QUEBRADA GUABO – PLAN 2010
UNgB will need to buy a new scanner so that the CTLC can offer copy service to the community.
They have to make final payments to the outgoing administrator of the CTLC and hire another, a challenging task because it is not easy to find someone to work for so little money, although recent legislation has raised minimum salaries considerably.
2007 Inauguration of Universidad
To play the video clips below, please Download Quicktime® Free Video Player. Then click on the video titles to play them.
Rector, Mr. Bernardino Sanchez, Welcome .MOV
Introduction of Professors .MOV
Children's Traditional Dance .MOV
Mona Foundation Welcome .MOV
Child's Poem .MOV
Ribbon Cutting .MOV
Plaque for Mr. Amanat .MOV
Computer Lab .MOV
Three years ago, the group working for the future Universidád Ngäbe Bukle met with Mona Foundation a spoke of the Ngäbe Bukle people's dream and desire of having a their own university. Mona Foundation representatives sensed their determination and felt their conviction. Identification with this dream and desire was easy for Mona and all of us were immersed in one vision together. Local goals were clear – to help themselves, to develop leaders, and to improve the standard of living while maintaining their culture. The Ngäbe Bukle leaders said, “We want a university to educate our people while preserving our heritage!” They have now accomplished part of that goal!
On August 27, 2007, Universidád Ngäbe Bukle was inaugurated with members of the Ngäbe Bukle community, the president of the National Indigenous Congress, the regional chief, the Ngäbe professors who will teach the university classes, Microsoft Panama, eight representatives from Mona Foundation, the local press and many other guests on hand as witnesses. This event was highlighted by speeches from the rector of the University, Microsoft Panama, and Mona Foundation among others, the presentation of gifts and recognition of the all Ngäbe staff, as well as a poetry presentation by a young student and a native dance performed by the kindergarten.
The establishment of this fully accredited university, the first ever on indigenous Panamanian lands, has been accomplished by the people themselves with the approval of the Ministry of Education and official certification by the University of Panama. This truly is the result of years of sacrifice, determination and very hard work on the part of many local people. With this higher educational institution comes the opportunity for the heritage of the Ngäbe Bukle people to be sustained, to grow and to flourish as the leaders of the community are educated and have the opportunity to lead and develop their comarca socially and economically.
Rector of Universidád Ngäbe Bukle, Mr. Bernardino Sanchez, said in his speech, “Universidád Ngäbe Bukle has had many barriers and we have to recognize that one is bureaucracy. We were told that the Ngäbe Bukle community is not able to do it (become a university). We threw that model into the trash. Our new model is that the Ngäbe Bukle people ARE capable and only education can reveal their treasures within. This is the model of the university that is born on the comarca and not imposed from outside. The Ngäbe Bukle people are capable. We will succeed.”
“It is possible to develop the comarca and the best tool to do this is education. It is our instrument, our way out. Without it, injustice reigns. Because of ignorance, our people cannot walk forward. Education will give the community knowledge to walk forward. The Ngäbe Bukle people will achieve, through education, economy and the self-confidence needed to create and develop for ourselves.”
The President of the Indigenous Congress, Pedro Rodriguez said, “I feel proud at this time when I see our professors with their degrees presented here at this inauguration. . . . We lost our autonomy 500 years ago but now we have progressed and universities like this should be all over the comarca. We need several projects like this one and we will build them. I have faith that this University will go forward and we will raise up students to carry this flag of the comarca.”
Rogelio Moreno, the Regional Chief of the comarca, addressed the crowd with these words, “To all of you from outside: We are brothers. Why are we brothers? We were born! We all have our own cultures and communities. I believe in these people. I believe in this community. And you are all our brothers and sisters. You will help to teach us how to walk. No one was born walking. You have to crawl first. We walked from mountain top to mountain top to have this comarca. We're part of a nation and a world and have rights to education and a better life. I, as chief and cultural leader, have the responsibility to develop and learn and to help others do the same.”
“We don't have words to express ourselves to tell you how proud we are to be a small part of the growth of the children of the comarca, to help them achieve their potential. We hope that this technology will help you take it one step further so that you can present yourselves to the world and other indigenous communities so that all peoples have this beacon as an example for their own futures,” remarked Roberto Centellas, General Manager, Microsoft Panama, grantor of the digital research library for the university.
Another speaker, Bernardo Jaen, a Ngäbe Bukle director, added, “What you're doing is historic because it's a self-actualization of the community. This is very important for us because so many of us have studied with a good deal of sacrifice. We will promote our own development. We know we will get assistance from others. We have always been told we're not capable because we're Indians. This is not true. We have always known it wasn't true and now we have proved it with this university.”
Upon reflection, one of the group from the Mona Foundation said, “I think the most significant impression for me was the fact that the Ngäbe are so proud of their culture and are such wise people. Despite all the hardship, struggles and put downs they have experienced they are truly confident and committed to the betterment of their community. This is proof that the remedy to all the ills of every society is education. No nation or group of people is smarter than the others. Once you give people the opportunity for good education all the gems come out and people flourish. A perfect example of this is one Ngäbe student who, three years ago when getting ready to give a speech, had forgotten everything she wanted to say because she was so nervous. However, after three years of training, she spoke firmly, with absolute confidence, poise and conviction, needing no notes for reference. This is a living example of the practice of Mona Foundation's philosophy in supporting grassroots educational initiatives.
“The Mona Foundation is trusted by the Ngäbe people. We have proven over time that we are not there to dictate to them how to do things, but to walk beside them as they travel their chosen path.”
A sense of pride for one's heritage is vital to the strength of any community. The strong desire of this community to preserve their Ngabe heritage is probably the one thing that stands out from this visit so much, for everywhere were reminders of this in their speeches, their art, their native dress, their beadwork, their dances and their polite respectful manners.
After the ribbon-cutting ceremony, guests were invited to tour the decorated lab and administration building. Later light refreshments were served and attendees enjoyed visiting and admiring the new buildings. It is extremely gratifying to have watched the progress, share in the happiness and celebrate in the success of these noble and determined people.
A Mona Foundation representative commented to the present guests that this inauguration is a truly a historical event for several reasons: 1) It has come into being through hard work and determination of the Ngäbe people themselves. 2) It enjoys wide community support including the National Ngäbe Congress, the Ngäbe Bukle Foundation, the Ngäbe Chief and the Elders. 3) It enjoys the support of a very well known Corporation, Microsoft, and is supported by Mona Foundation who through a gift made in honor of life-long services of Mr. Mosa Amanat has been able to assist with this initiative. This effort is a good example of miracles that happen when people come together in unity and work to open the doors of education to all and make our world a better place for our children.
2007 Fifth Training Seminar
In the month of January we completed the fifth training seminar for the Ngabe professors. Two professors from the Rural University in Colombia give the course to fifteen Ngabe teachers. The most significant learning is the unity and firmness of our teachers in reliability and maintaining a high degree of enthusiasm and decided commitment to apply this knowledge to the service of the Comarca.
We now have the deed for the land ready for the legalization process for the establishment of the CTLC and the construction of the administrative building.
2007 Accreditation Steps
With relation to the accreditation or approval of the first program of study, Technical in Sustainable Development and Environment, it was approved by specialists in the field in and passed by the Fiscal Commission in the month of January. We requested permission to speak to the Academic Council in February. The result of our visit to Panama was that the Council in its plenary session decided to definitively approve the Technician in Sustainable Development and Environment program of study. At the same time they promised to speed up the approval of the Bachelor's degree as quickly as possible.
With regard the approval of the Bachelor's degree in Intercultural Bilingual Education in Applied Math and Science, we now have the second review from the Mathematics Department, but nothing at all from the Department of Exact Sciences or from the School of Education. With regard to the new programs of study, we are consulting about the conceptual framework of the two new programs to begin very soon writing up the curricular proposal. We have considered as viable options developing a masters' degree in Intercultural Bilingual Education and another Technical Level (two-year degree) in Administration of Local Economies. We have more than 100 students registered in Soloy who are awaiting the opening of the university. We cannot provide them with classes until the Ministry of Education in Panama gives its approval.
2007 Building Plans are Made
Administrative Center 
To take advantage of the space and give an image of rural beauty, the University Administrative Center will be built a short distance from the CTLC, with a country garden between the two buildings. It will consist of a reception area where the secretary can work, a rector's office, a gazebo (bohio) for conferences of about twenty people, and a bathroom. We chose the gazebo style of construction for meetings because it is culturally appropriate for the area &ndas; the people prefer to meet in the open air. The reception area measures 189 square feet, the rector's office 226 square feet, the gazebo 331 square feet, and bathrooms, with exterior access, 61 square feet. There will also be a small closet in the rector's office and a utility area of 34 square feet.
CTLC/Library 
This building will be 500 square feet, the space necessary to hold a classroom of 20 computers connected to Internet and the bookshelves that will make up the specialized Ngabere and Spanish language library. To counteract the effects of Quebrada Molejon's muggy heat, we will place abundant insulation in the roof, include many windows, and have a large overhang. There will be a set of bathrooms (60 square feet) for men and women, with exterior access for the public who use the CTLC.
Costs
In general, it costs about $30 a square foot to build in Panama. We have received special donation of the land, but a budgetary adjustment is required for part of it. We have also received the offer of an excellent supervision team. At the moment we are cautiously optimistic that preliminary estimates put the cost of construction at $20 a square foot for enclosed areas, and $10 a square foot for the gazebo. The land being donated by Sra. Julia represents the entirety of her property, to be inherited by her children. The Working Group wishes to offer her the nominal sum of $500 in recognition of her sacrificial offer, in the hopes that she will be able to acquire a parcel of land in another site to bequeath to her heirs.
Procedures
Here are the drawings of the preliminary conceptual design of the construction project. Pete Jorgensen has offered to work directly with the builders. He has indicated that the construction should require eight months. We may find it advantageous to build in phases, starting with the CTLC and then proceeding with the administrative center.
Key Step to Accreditation Completed in July 2006!
Bernardino Sanchez shares the story: “The Universidad Ngabe-Bukle yesterday completed a key step in obtaining accreditation in the Republic of Panama when Rector Bernardino Sanchez and President of the Fundacion Cultural Ngabe-Bukle, Cleto Montero, officially presented the documents and fees required by the University of Panama for the evaluation of the curriculum.
“The Ministry of Education has already given its official approval of this innovative university. Professor Raymundo Gurdian, representative of the Extension Vice-Rectory of the University of Panama declared that they now have everything needed and that they can now go forward in evaluating the curricular content. The law permits ninety days for the University of Panama to review the documents before issuing the approval required for accreditation.
“‘Hundreds of high school graduates have enrolled or expressed interest in attending,’ said Mr. Sanchez, ‘and now we are seeing the results of years of work by hundreds of people.’
“The Comarca is home for the majority of Panama, 200,000 Ngabes and Bugles. Even though primary school education in the area is high by world standards, the Panamanian Government provides the Comarca much lower levels of high school and higher education than in the rest of the country. ‘On a national level, the Government provides one educator for approximately every 24 potential secondary students,’ said Foundation President Montero. ‘In the Comarca there is one professor for every hundred potential students. This could be remedied if there were more Ngabe university graduates available to teach in high schools, but in the Comarca the Panamanian Government has never provided a university nor extension classes.’
“Even though the authorities of the Comarca Congress requested exoneration of the costs for approving the curriculum, they were denied because the university will be a private institution. When asked if he was disappointed that the Ngabe people are not only required to build their own university, but must also pay the University for the privilege of being allowed to, Mr. Sanchez said, ‘We are grateful for all the cooperation that the University of Panama is already able to offer and we understand their limited resources. We have obtained a loan to pay the first half and we are looking for the other funds.’ ”
122 Students Enrolled! (2005-2006)
There are now 122 students pre-enrolled. They come from three communities: Soloy, Quebrada Guabo, and Alto Cabellero. Many of them will need scholarships. The Universidad is in the process of looking for scholarships. The signs are encouraging.
Professors Receive Training
There have been a great many steps taken towards the opening of the first classes for the Universidad Ngabe-Bukle in Panama. They now have a schedule of seminars to be given by the Centro Universitario de Bienestar Rural in Colombia to the professors in Panama. During the first year, these were held in 2005 and 2006, however in all, the Centro Universitario will be giving 15 seminars, one every quarter through December 2008.
The Universidad held a preliminary weekend seminar for nine of the professors, to be able to pass out the books they must study before the seminar, and to begin the process of their orientation into a very new, innovative system of education. It was very successful on that front, as well as in establishing those first bonds of unity that one hopes for in a group of educators setting out on a daring venture. The plan is that only indigenous teachers will be teaching indigenous teachers. The native professors must first learn the program and then prepare to teach it.