CASE STUDY OF THE SCHOOL TRAJECTORY OF A RIVERINE STUDENT AT THE AMAZONAS FEDERAL UNIVERSITY

Abstract

The school trajectory of students from riverine communities is marked by several factors, such as difficulties with access and transportation, lack of financial assistance, educational policies and personal life history, so that not only does the entry of these students into higher education become difficult, but also its permanence. Adopting a psychosocial perspective, through a case study with individual interviews with an open narrative and thematic content analysis, we present how a riverine student means his schooling trajectory and his experiences at the Amazonas Federal University, Parintins campus. We discuss it according to the following categories: schooling trajectory (multigrade classes, travel to study); difficulties (lack of access to student retention policies; low family income; difficulties with remote teaching); facilitators of staying at university (scholarship/financial aid programs; social support). We conclude that educational policies aimed at rural populations cannot keep students in rural areas, but due to a personal ideal and social support from friends and family, the interviewee shows a desire to return to the riverine community. The university has different student support programs, but not all of them are accessible, with research and teaching grants being great financial incentives that help students stay on the course. Remote teaching revealed major technological difficulties faced in interior municipalities, at university and by students, especially low-income students. Finally, we consider that the “riverine” should be made visible with the aim of affirmative policies.