“That the university colour black, mulatto, worker or peasant.” Although the utopia described by Che Guevara is far from reality in Brazil, the Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP) took a step forward: 45 militants of Via Campesina received on Friday 11 of november the bachelor’s degree in geography from the State University Julio de Mesquita Filho (UNESP) at the campus of Presidente Prudente (state of Sao Paulo).

The group, named Milton Santos, after the Brazilian geographer, started in 2007, in partnership with the Pronera UNESP (National Program for Agrarian Reform Education), INCRA, the National School Florestan Fernandes (ENFF) and Via Campesina. The course format was adapted to the reality of militancy, composed of two annual steps: one held in January and February, UNESP, and another in July and August, in ENFF.

“Our course is considered special by the system of rotation. Our time was divided into school (class period) and community work where we continued our dedication, work and study. Via Campesina understand that study should not deviate from daily reality” said Ivanei Dalla Costa, a militant of MAB and course participant.

The coordinators of the course UNESP, Thomas Jr. and Antonio Bernardo Mançano, describe the process of creating the course as “a real pitched battle” within the bureaucracy of the university. However, with sensitivity and clarity of many directors, it was possible this project be approved.

“We remained clear to try to attract the undecided and convince the disagreed that the project was important and an unprecedented achievement for UNESP, specifically because we faced with the possibility to participate in a learning process and approach to a portion of society jettisoned the university , engaged in important struggles that add to the principles of public university” Professor Thomas said.

Besides activists from Via Campesina (MST, MPA, MAB, PJR), also participated in the course members of Family Farm Schools, Popular Consultation, Educafro and Homeless Workers Movement (MTST).

“We are sure that the possibility of this course of geography, and many others who are being held around the country, is the result of many struggle, many occupations of land all over Brazil. Access to knowledge and the best public universities in Brazil is a right we have and we will gradually winning” said Ivanei, speaking as a representative of the class at the time of graduation.