The Indigenous University of Venezuela (UIV) is well known for its cultural diversity, bringing together students from many indigenous communities across the country. During mealtimes or when walking together between classes, one might hear the students speaking one of the numerous native languages represented at the UIV.

Preservation of language and culture remains an important pillar for the UIV, and an example of this can be seen on its website [es]. The school's mission statement is available in the Huottöja, Pumé, Ye´kwana, Shiriana, and E´ñepa languages. Here is the translation in the E´ñepa language, also known as Panare:

A university that raises awareness and educates young indigenous students so that they can serve their communities. We preserve and strengthen indigenous peoples and we put forth intercultural and experimental higher education

During the digital photography workshop held on the campus with three students from the edu-communications department, the students also learned some basics in the use of the free and open-source program Audacity to record audio podcasts and upload them to the web. To demonstrate, we recorded the students giving a brief greeting in their native language and the Spanish-language translation. These are the three audio recordings uploaded to Rising Voices’ Soundcloud account.

Indigenous University of Venezuela – Kuranicha – Piaroa Language

Indigenous University of Venezuela – Akaneto – Jivi Language

Indigenous University of Venezuela – Wadaana – Ye'kwana Language

UIV Students: Kuranicha, Akaneto, and Wadaana (left to right)