UNR Rector Franco Bartolacci celebrated the rejection of the funding law veto, surrounded by thousands of students participating in the ExpoCarreras event, which runs until tomorrow in Puerto Joven. Twenty thousand students have already attended in less than 48 hours.
After the mobilizing day on Wednesday when the National Congress rejected the veto of the University Financing Law, the activity continues with the ExpoCarreras, a meeting in which the Universidad Nacional de Rosario (UNR) showcases its full potential with its educational offerings, encompassing more than 150 programs. Twenty thousand young people attended the first two days; the program continues tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Puerto Joven, Av. Belgrano 950.
Rector Bartolacci did not hide his satisfaction with the result of the vote in the Chamber of Deputies, where the rejection of the veto of the Financing Law garnered 174 affirmative votes. "We are heartily content. It now moves on to the Senate, where conditions are ripe for its passage. I hope the president signs it into law quickly, without delay, and normalizes this situation so we can address everything the University needs to improve. The best defense of the Public University is to transform it," he summarized at the opening ceremony, which took place just after noon on the green esplanade surrounding the Puerto Joven warehouses.
“What could happen if the Financing Law weren't upheld could be very serious. What happened yesterday was a huge step forward, and I'm still very moved. The country's squares were packed with people defending the university, and what happened in the Chamber of Deputies, ensuring that the new generations have the same opportunities they had, I'm very grateful, especially to the representatives from the province of Santa Fe,” Bartlacci added.
Amid spring-like weather, with students excited about their day, teachers sharing what each program has to offer, and young people browsing the stands, speeches followed by Mayor Pablo Javkin, the Secretary of Human Development and Habitat of the Municipality of Rosario, Nicolás Gianelloni, and the head of the University Well-being Department at the UNR, Gustavo Simoneta. Rosario councilors and provincial representatives were also present. Earlier in the day, Vice Governor Gisela Scaglia toured the fair. The occasion also provided an opportunity to present awards from the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate of the Province of Santa Fe, as well as from the Rosario City Council.
“I want to welcome the young people. The heart of UNR beats with the strength of the young people who arrive, our students. We hope they can foster those dreams at our university, and that they can write their history, and that it will be a better shared history for the history of our country,” Bartolacci added.
"Today we have more students, more graduates, more programs, more courses, and next year we will even open a new faculty, the Faculty of Human Movement and Care Sciences," explained the rector, referring to the new faculty, which will offer the following degrees starting next year: Teaching Physical Education, a Bachelor's Degree in Sports, a Bachelor's Degree in Comprehensive Care Systems, and a Technical Degree in Elderly Care.
And he continued with a description of the UNR's expansion. "We constantly have to be looking at how we can sustain what we've already started, but when I listen to those who are graduating from a degree, those who complete a vocational course, it gives us the strength to continue. The transformative force of education is very powerful. I am very proud of the UNR community." The UNR added 15 new undergraduate programs, four pre-university schools, and next year a new faculty, a virtual high school, and a vocational school. "It's education that saves us; public education is in the DNA of Argentine society."
"Although the current situation tells us that the priority lies elsewhere, public education is what makes us equal and free. That's why developed countries invest in knowledge. We will solve our problems when we invest in education and knowledge. We must demand this from all levels of education because progress is dizzying, and we must adapt. Our approach is to sustain what is good and improve it," he concluded.
Twenty thousand young people attended the first two days of ExpoCarreras, visiting stands from the 13 schools, participating in vocational tests and lectures about each program, and learning in detail about the educational pathways, dates, and registration requirements. Tomorrow, Friday, September 19th, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., the final day of the Expo will take place. This has become a UNR classic and has become the first meeting for many high school students about their university futures, a space to learn about everything the University has to offer society.
Journalist: Micaela Pereyra / Photographer: Camila Casero