Universidad Intercultural del Estado de Mexico

In September 2004, the Intercultural University of the State of Mexico (UIEM) opened its doors, with the purpose of meeting the social demand for teaching with a new approach, directed not only to indigenous groups, but also to the entire population. Fundamental right to an education in their own language. The Ministry of Public Education and the Government of the State of Mexico signed an agreement for the installation of this educational model of higher education. The university is the first of a project to create 10 units of higher education supported by the National Education Program 2001-2006. This new institution, located in the municipality of San Felipe del Progreso, in the north of the State of Mexico, attended The first generation of 271 students, who study subjects of common trunk, In the first two semesters, with emphasis on the teaching or reinforcement of the indigenous language, Spanish and English; Scientific reasoning and computer science. A fundamental axis of these schools is the existence of a research center on language and culture, which allows, among other things, to systematize the extensive indigenous knowledge. This university, which promotes an innovative form of education, integrates the worldview of the Mazahuas, Otomies, Matlazincas, Nahuas and Tlahuica with the clear intention of preserving the cultural heritage of these indigenous peoples. The mission of the nascent educational institution is to train intellectuals and professionals committed to the development of their peoples and their regions, whose activities contribute to promote a process of revaluation and revitalization of indigenous languages ​​and cultures, So that at the end of their studies they do not emigrate, but practice their profession for the benefit of their communities.