Indigenous youths and distance learning in higher education: expectations and experiences

Abstract

In Mexico, educational institutions and government initiatives aimed at closing the achievement gap continue to struggle to provide access to higher education for indigenous people. This article analyzes one model that serves young people in areas without university campuses.

In Mexico, educational institutions and government initiatives aimed at closing the achievement gap continue to struggle to provide access to higher education for young adults from indigenous communities. This article analyzes one model that serves young people in areas without institutions of higher education. The model in question is the distance learning model of the National Technological Institute of Mexico in the indigenous community of the municipality of Tolimán, Querétaro, Mexico. The researchers endeavored to learn about the experiences, expectations, and greater meaning around higher education by using qualitative methodology including focus groups. Among the findings, researchers observed that the distance learning model resolves two obstacles to the educational trajectory of indigenous youth. These are distance from university campuses and scarcity of financial resources among families to support students living outside the community while they study. Researchers also found that higher education delays the cultural mandates of marriage and parenthood, increasing autonomy and empowerment among women.