Imigrantes e refugiados na perspectiva da Política Nacional de Extensão Universitária: estudo de caso de um projeto de extensão em uma instituição federal de ensino superior

Abstract

This study examines issues in connection with university extension programs, the possibility of formulating and executing local policies, and immigration, specifically focused on research into the MIGRAIDH Extension Project, a component of the Law Program at the Federal University of Santa Maria (Universidade Federal de Santa Maria – UFSM), involving Senegalese refugees and immigrants. The principal data collection source for the qualitative case study included interviews with administrators, students, and refugees and immigrants. The content analysis method was applied to examine the corresponding data. The study sought to develop responses to the challenge of identifying the administrative strategies adopted in IFES to ensure the inclusion of Senegalese immigrants and refugees under the National University Extension Policy (Política Nacional de Extensão Universitária). The general objective consisted of analyzing the strategies executed by the UFSM Extension Project for Senegalese immigrants and refugees, with a view to contributing to the inclusion of this population segment under the National University Extension Policy. In this light, the study was based on the following specific objectives: to learn about the experiences of Senegalese immigrants in Brazilian society; to research the administrative strategies adopted by the USFM Extension Project based on the statements of research subjects and participants in the Extension Project (Senegalese immigrants and refugees, administrators, and students); and to examine the challenges of the UFSM Extension Project and the possibility of extending the related experiences to other Federal Institutions of Higher Learning. The study concludes that IFES must foster and promote inclusive extension policies, especially for the most vulnerable segments of society, including immigrants and refugees. With this in mind, the study describes and advances an Extension Project that provides for effective democratic management in conjunction with concrete strategies and results capable of serving as a model for other IFES that accept the challenge of investing in inclusive and socially responsible policies. With a view to the objective of giving priority to black and indigenous refugees and immigrants, the study proposes establishing the Forum of Deans at Academic Extension Programs in Brazilian Public Institutions of Higher Learning (Fórum de Pró-Reitores de Extensão das Instituições Públicas de Educação Superior Brasileiras – FORPROEX), for the purpose of promoting the inclusion of this specific population group within the “Population Group Axis” of the National University Extension Policy, as a means to consolidate extension actions, projects, and programs as a priority strategy for incorporating the most vulnerable segments of society within the broader category of vulnerable population segments.