Cali, Colombia. FUCLA (Claretian University Foundation), born of the Claretians from the Province of Colombia-Venezuela and whose central headquarters is located in Quibdó (Chocó), celebrated five years of its existence.
This initiative, suggested by a proposal from “education at a distance’, has as its mission: ‘To train men and women to be managers of change in social justice, human development, and peace”.
Based upon diverse missionary and academic experiences, especially in the biblical field, and after having overcome various bureaucratic obstacles, FUCLA was recognized in 2006 through an agreement with the Colombian University Foundation “Luis Amigó”.
FUCAL has one its major strengths in the 9 biblical centers coordinated by the Claretians in Colombia: Quibdó, Barranquilla, Cartagena – Sincelejo, Medellín, Piedecuesta, Santander, Manizales, Cali and Tumaco which receive the services of education at a distance. Between all these centers, FUCLA has registered 500 students, the greatest number from among truly poor people, coming from Afro Colombian, indigenous, and mestizo (mixed race) communities. University education, for them, is like a true utopia.
Nevertheless, thanks to new technologies of communication, FUCLA has transcended the borders by offering, among others, a specialization in biblical studies, in virtual mode.
On the 12th of November, the headquarters of FUCLA in Cali organized an academic activity to celebrate this anniversary. The theme was centered on the rescue of the historical memory of people of African descent, in tune with the “international year for people of African descent” declared by the United Nations.
For more information about FUCLA, access their website: www.fucla.edu.co
