Second version of Alianza Antofagasta’s Social University program launched

This is an unprecedented initiative in Chile due to its collaborative construction process and the educational model behind it, allowing it to respond to local problems by strengthening the work of its leaders. The first version of the Social University ended with 18 certified leaders, who acquired tools on project formulation, evaluation and control over 120 hours at Universidad de Antofagasta, Universidad Santo Tomás and AIEP Antofagasta, the three institutions of higher learning responsible for providing academic support for the initiative.

Exequiel Ramirez, rector of Universidad Santo Tomás in Antofagasta, commented, “The mission of the Santo Tomás institutions is to contribute to the sustainable development of our communities and the Social University was born precisely to generate skills in the leaders of these communities, seeking to improve the quality of life of the people who live there.” He also highlighted “the collaborative way in which the program is developed, with universities and companies, building a proposal together based on the needs of the community that will translate into a better quality of life.”

For Luz Hun, director of AIEP Antofagasta’s campus, “the Social University program represents the collaboration we seek in the community and it helps us reduce the existing gaps in training. The program challenges us to collaborate and participate harmoniously with the three higher education institutions in training and providing tools to strengthen the role of social leaders.” She then added that “the 2023 graduates were awarded six projects with their organizations, which motivates us to continue with this second version, where our goal is for participants to access regional funding to improve the lives of their communities.”

Marcos Cikutovic, rector of Universidad de Antofagasta, said that “the UA, as a public institution, has the commitment and responsibility to address and respond to the challenges facing our society. In this context, the Social University is an exemplary initiative that allows us to transfer knowledge and tools to neighborhood leaders, strengthening their skills to start and manage projects that benefit their communities. Our role is fundamental; We contribute academic expertise, while working collaboratively with other institutions to build a solid, effective proposal, which is a clear reflection of how academia can and should be actively involved in sustainable development and improving people’s quality of life.”

“Industry, academia, civil society, public institutions and entrepreneurs are called to work collaboratively in the long term beyond temporary associations and Alianza Antofagasta, with nine years in operation, is an example of this,” says Esther Croudo, co-founder of Alianza Antofagasta, adding that “the Social University is a virtuous idea born from this network of willingness and bonds of trust, where collective effort strives to strengthen social capital, with the conviction that societies with greater social capital are more prosperous and have more solid foundations.”

Finally, Pablo Pisani, Corporate Affairs Manager for SQM Iodine Plant Nutrition, one of the companies sponsoring the program, explained, “For us the role of social leaders is very important and today’s launch of the Social University highlights the work they do. Their efforts must materialize with their own techniques, methodologies and contents and, to this end, this institution is a tremendous opportunity to strengthen these organizations, to give them visibility and to enable them to use all the instruments at their service.”

This second version will have spots for 30 students and improvements to the socio-educational model designed will be tested before scaling up the program to the region’s nine districts. Applications for this second version will be accepted until July 25 through Alianza Antofagasta’s social media accounts.

Alianza Antofagasta is a public-private-academic-citizen initiative that helps build social capital, fostering spaces of trust that facilitate collective action to move towards sustainable development. Its advisory board includes companies and institutions like Antofagasta Minerals, Puerto Antofagasta, Fundación Minera Escondida, SQM Iodine Plant Nutrition, Creo Antofagasta, Aguas Antofagasta, Cámara Chilena de la Construcción, El Mercurio de Antofagasta, the Regional Government, the Municipality of Antofagasta, Universidad Católica del Norte, Universidad de Antofagasta, Universidad Santo Tomás and AIEP Antofagasta.