The Eduder project focuses on the right to equal access to university education for the most vulnerable groups and aims to create structures that ensure real opportunities for the full exercise of the right to quality higher education for those affected by higher levels of vulnerability. This project, involving 19 universities from Europe and Latin America, has conducted a diagnostic report at each institution and compiled a report identifying and sharing best practices from each university. As a result, initiatives that promote more inclusive and equitable university environments have been investigated. Economic, academic, and personal factors can influence educational paths, and many institutions have developed strategies to address these barriers. These include financial support, academic mentoring programs, and the implementation of specialized structures for students in vulnerable situations.
Below, we share a compilation of best practices implemented and identified by Eduder in the participating universities, organized into three key areas: financial support for student life, academic reinforcement and mentoring, and the development of specialized support resources and structures.
Financial Support for Student Life
-
University of Cádiz: Through the Huella Solidaria program, it covers tuition fees for students facing economic and social difficulties.
-
Fluminense University: Its Support Program for Pregnant and Postpartum Students provides food baskets and emotional support during pregnancy.
-
UPAEP: Offers 100% scholarships for young people from rural communities in Mexico, including accommodation, meals, and comprehensive training.
-
Pablo de Olavide University: Provides free housing in exchange for living with elderly individuals, people with disabilities, or single-parent families.
-
National Pedagogical University: Provides housing, financial aid, and meals for students in vulnerable situations.
-
University of Beira Interior: Through the Social Support Fund, it offers financial assistance in exchange for work in university services.
-
Central American University José Simeón Cañas: Supports young people with financial and mobility limitations by offering human-spiritual training, community life, and community service.
-
Camilo José Cela University: Its Integra Project facilitates access for students from conflict zones, covering all expenses during their education.
Academic Support, Mentoring, and Follow-Up
-
Central American University José Simeón Cañas: Academic reinforcement program for first- and second-year students, developed by students in social service.
-
Pablo de Olavide University: University Personal Assistant scholarships to support students with disabilities or special educational needs (NEAE).
-
Fluminense University: Inclusion Support Program for students with disabilities.
-
University of Chile: Access program for higher education for students from vulnerable backgrounds, with comprehensive tutoring.
-
National Pedagogical University: Personalized support for conflict victims, Afro-descendants, and peace signatories, with psychosocial and academic assistance.
-
UNED and University of Buenos Aires (UBA): University study programs in penitentiary centers, with tutoring and academic support for incarcerated individuals.
-
Don Bosco University of El Salvador: Distance technical training for incarcerated individuals.
Development of Specialized Support Resources and Structures
-
University of Chile: Functional Diversity Support Unit (UADF) to ensure access, retention, and graduation of students with disabilities.
-
Pablo de Olavide University: Disability and Special Educational Support Needs Service (ADYNEA).
-
UNED: University Disability Support Center (UNIDIS).
-
National Pedagogical University: Maternal School that ensures comprehensive care for the children of students and staff.
-
Camilo José Cela University: Psychological and Diversity Counseling Department, offering workshops on stress management and social skills.
-
UNAL Colombia: Multidisciplinary Wellness Teams that provide psychological first aid and loss management support.
After presenting the best practices of the participating institutions, the Eduder project continues its international meetings and research to fulfill its goal of ensuring the right to equal access to university education for vulnerable groups.
