Tumul K’in Center for Learning is located in the lush greenery of Blue Creek village, a small Maya village in Toledo where culture and identity is still vibrant. However, even the most remote of areas are not without the influence of development. In response, Tumul k'in was established to preserve the cultural and traditional values and practices of the Maya, through the development of the centre of learning. Since its inauguration in January 2002, Tumul K'in has focused on preservation and conservation of Maya culture through education, research, and training in Maya culture. One of the strongest examples of the center's commitment to the preservation of culture has been the establishment of the residential academic program. This program offers an integrated secondary education where students are taught Maya traditional knowledge as well as the basic academic subjects. Through theory and practice students get to experience firsthand knowledge of core traditional values.
The program is open to students who are between 13-16 yrs. old during the start of their first year. The residential academic program consists of a 4 year cycle in which first and second year students are prepared in order to specialize in their 3rd year. During the first two years students are taught academic subjects such as Maths, English and Science as well as subjects such as Q'eqchi, Mopan and cultural studies. In their third year students may choose to specialize in:
The learning center also implements an alcalde system where each class elects a representative which forms part of the governing body of the school. This allows student to experience democratic governance. Additionally, the alcaldes form part of the disciplinary council for the school.
One of the best illustrations of the intercultural program is the cultural night which is held on Saturdays. Here students get to demonstrate what they have learnt to the community through cultural activities such as the playing of the marimba and harp and traditional Maya dances. This also has the effect of keeping the culture rich and alive where else it may have been forgotten. Other classes taught in the academic program include:
Everyone at Tumul K'in contributes to the self-sustainability of the school with daily contributions to agriculture, food and kitchen production; building and structural maintenance. The center has its own farm which provides crops and food and some of these are turned into commercial products such as bottled jam, honey and bottled water.
An exemplary model for cultural preservation and sustainable development, Tumul K'in has been seeking various innovative ways of addressing the extinction of an indigenous identity when faced with modern development. Through their various programs students that graduate from the learning center are a few more Belizeans who can keep the culture and knowledge alive into the future.
The program is open to students who are between 13-16 yrs. old during the start of their first year. The residential academic program consists of a 4 year cycle in which first and second year students are prepared in order to specialize in their 3rd year. During the first two years students are taught academic subjects such as Maths, English and Science as well as subjects such as Q'eqchi, Mopan and cultural studies. In their third year students may choose to specialize in:
- Agricultural Science and Production
- Agro-Processing
- Eco-cultural Tourism
- Sustainable use of natural resources
The learning center also implements an alcalde system where each class elects a representative which forms part of the governing body of the school. This allows student to experience democratic governance. Additionally, the alcaldes form part of the disciplinary council for the school.
One of the best illustrations of the intercultural program is the cultural night which is held on Saturdays. Here students get to demonstrate what they have learnt to the community through cultural activities such as the playing of the marimba and harp and traditional Maya dances. This also has the effect of keeping the culture rich and alive where else it may have been forgotten. Other classes taught in the academic program include:
- cuxtal
- pottery
- sewing
- basketry
- the playing of traditional instruments
Everyone at Tumul K'in contributes to the self-sustainability of the school with daily contributions to agriculture, food and kitchen production; building and structural maintenance. The center has its own farm which provides crops and food and some of these are turned into commercial products such as bottled jam, honey and bottled water.
An exemplary model for cultural preservation and sustainable development, Tumul K'in has been seeking various innovative ways of addressing the extinction of an indigenous identity when faced with modern development. Through their various programs students that graduate from the learning center are a few more Belizeans who can keep the culture and knowledge alive into the future.
Photos and information courtesy Dr. Roxanna Alvarez, Acting Director for Tumul K'in Center of Learning . For more information visit http://www.tumulkinbelize.org/
