Submitted by nicole_alves on Fri, 03/21/2025 - 16:16 | Editado por nicole_alves há 4 weeks.
Photo: Clara Lamacie
The Federal University of Ouro Preto (UFOP) welcomed Afro-Colombian students from the Universidad de Antioquia (UdeA) for a cultural exchange. In the first meeting, UdeA students held the workshop "Quilombo AfroLatidos: flavors, rhythms and culture", with the aim of presenting tourist attractions, musical styles, culinary aspects, dances and other cultural aspects, in addition to highlighting the strong and important presence the culture of Afro-Colombian peoples has in the Colombian history. The Brazilian students also shared their knowledge about Colombia in a conversation circle and, at the end, the visitors taught famous dances.
The guests also took part in conferences, visits, conversation circles and lectures promoted by the director of International Relations Office, Anderson Gamarano, the Dean of Undergraduate Studies, Adilson dos Santos, and the Deputy Dean of Undergraduate Studies and coordinator of the Center for Afro-Brazilian and Indigenous Studies (Neabi), Clézio Gonçalves.
Anderson explains that UdeA approached partners about the possibility of receiving students for the exchange, and the International Relations Office (DRI) placed UFOP as an option due to the performance of the University professionals concerning Afro-Brazilian and indigenous studies. "The reception of Colombian students contributed not only to the momentary expansion of our foreign academic community, but mainly to all the moments of exchange in the various academic and cultural activities carried out. Neabi's participation was fundamental for the success of the mission, which will bring many reflections to all involved," he evaluates.
Photo: Adrielle Ferreira
Students and Aída on the stairs in front of the Municipal Council of Mariana
In Mariana, the students visited the historic center, guided by Aída Anacleto, deputy coordinator of Neabi, including the Municipal Council of Mariana, São Francisco de Assis Church, Tourism Attention Center and Mariana House of Culture. According to Aída, knowledge exchange was important for the Black Movement of Mariana, as it was possible to address issues such as the Unified Health System (SUS), education, culture and sports, as well as the challenges faced by black people concerning cultural and social invisibility. "We hope that UFOP students can reciprocate the exchange, for the appreciation of Afro-global culture", she concludes.
The students also visited famous places in the city of Ouro Preto, especially in the historic center, with a visit to Nossa Senhora das Mercês e da Misericórdia Church, Horto dos Contos Park, Nossa Senhora do Pilar Basilica and Nossa Senhora do Rosário dos Pretos Church, guided by Andrés Roberto, scholarship holder of the Welcome Project.
UdeA Business Administration student Margarita Torres says that she is grateful for having this experience and the opportunity to get to know Ouro Preto and Mariana, mainly their art, culture and tradition. "Aspects such as the creation of affirmative policies, the recognition of the Afro-Brazilian population, the defense of educational leaders for inclusion and quality education are topics that I highlight as lessons learned from this experience," says the Colombian student.
The programming of the intercultural experience ended this Friday (29), with the students visiting Parque das Andorinhas, in Ouro Preto.
