University extension as a catalyst for social transformation

Stories of pedagogical experiences and extension interventions

Abstract

Within the framework of University Extension Projects, from 2022 to 2024, the professors of the Professional Practices in Territory and Community Care II courses of the Bachelor's Degree in Nutrition at the National University of La Matanza (UNLaM) developed, together with women representatives from social organizations in La Matanza, various actions aimed at the development and commercialization of artisanal food products. In a political context that promotes economic measures that 2 challenge the right to food, especially for the working class, the proposal is linked to supporting the production of safe food, with the aim of marketing it in the territories, highlighting popular knowledge and women's work. Among the demands the representatives raised, the need to recognize and strengthen the work they do to sustain food in the territories, which is invisible and unpaid, stands out.

This work seeks to revalue a pre-existing territorial construction that involves the coordinated work of different institutions and social leaders. Promoting connections between teachers, students, and community leaders, as well as organizations from the same district. This article will attempt to convey the journey through these exchanges, which seek to revalue knowledge, experiences, and different ways of organizing responses to community demands in contexts of greatest need. The contribution of the public universities in the metropolitan area is to contribute to the development of the workforce and strengthen community networks through university outreach.