Between the intercultural, the communal, and Jesuit networks: Experiences of two private higher education institutions driven from below in Mexican Indigenous communities

Entre o intercultural, o comunal e as redes jesuítas: experiências de duas instituições privadas de ensino superior impulsionadas de baixo em comunidades indígenas mexicanas

Abstract

This article compares the experiences of two intercultural higher education institutions in Mexico, both emerging from community-driven initiatives and the convergence of diverse social actors, including non-governmental organizations, community leaders, local advocates, and progressive sectors of the Catholic Church. These institutions aim to build an inclusive educational model, maintaining a close connection with the Indigenous communities they serve, while facing structural challenges that place them at a disadvantage compared to other universities in the country.

The study focuses on two pioneering academic programs: the bachelor’s degree in Intercultural Education and the bachelor’s degree in Solidarity Economies. Through these cases, the article highlights the coherence of educational projects that not only shape individuals but also lay the groundwork for structural change, promoting social justice and community sustainability.