The general coordinator of the Indigenous Council of Roraima (CIR), Edinho Batista, and other indigenous leaders participated this morning, the 26th, in a meeting with the president of the National Foundation of Indigenous Peoples (Funai), Joenia Wapichana, and the regional coordinator, Marizete Macuxi, as well as the state secretary of Education, Nonato Mesquita, to discuss clarifications regarding the execution of the parliamentary amendment worth 44 million reais destined for indigenous schools, which are still facing bureaucratic processes before reaching the indigenous communities. The meeting took place at the Funai/RR headquarters.
The meeting clarified the authorizations for carrying out renovation services in indigenous schools. The Education Secretariat, responsible for the execution of the work, insists that the services have not started because Funai has not issued the authorizations to the company, according to the question presented.
According to former federal congresswoman and president of Funai (National Indian Foundation), Joenia Wapichana, during her term, approximately 44 million reais were allocated through parliamentary amendments to be invested in indigenous school education, such as in school renovations and expansions, construction of sports courts, purchase of school supplies and furniture. However, the funds have not yet been applied as they should have been, and she is urging the education department to act swiftly. “There are no pending processes, and the authorizations granted by Funai have already expired and will need to be renewed. The funds are already committed, and it no longer depends on the former congresswoman; it is necessary to think about the children and young people and act quickly,” emphasized Joenia.
The state Secretary of Education, Nonato Mesquita, gave a different version. He reported that the services have not yet begun because the funds are held up in the National Education Fund (FNDE). In the case of indigenous communities, the FNDE needs to approve the project before sending the commitment agreement to the state government and executing the work. Mesquita stated that the secretariat already has the names of the schools that need improvements. "To begin the works, it is necessary to intervene with the National Education Fund (FNDE)," he clarified.
For Edinho Batista, it is important to clarify the facts for the communities and leaders, so that no injustice is committed, as is the case with the information that blames Funai for the non-execution of services in indigenous schools. “We will not condone information that tarnishes the name of partner organizations and institutions through unfounded statements. We understand the process, but interest and goodwill must prevail. There are challenges, but we can't remain stuck in makeshift schools,” demanded the coordinator.
During the meeting, the president of Funai requested a hearing with the National Education Fund (FNDE), already scheduled for June 1st in Brasília, to discuss the matter, with the presence of a commission of indigenous leaders.