An Andean Education

The traditional education in the Andean culture is a natural process from which no child is excluded. For centuries this education system has  successfully prepared children for their agro-centric life. Now their world is changing. Parents and children see a western-education as a necessity. This often comes at the cost of their traditional education.

Here are four simple stages of an Andean education:

a) Learning by replication

Children begin their learning by watching and playing. From the moment they learn to walk their play is in imitating their parents in their daily chores and creating similar works in miniature. From birth, they have direct contact with nature.

b) Learning to take responsibility

From 4 years, children begin to help their parents and grandparents with the simpler house-tasks like feeding and grazing the animals and collecting firewood.

c) Learning to farm

Once the children reach 10 years old, they accompany the older family members to the fields where they watch and copy their parents. Observing, listening and practising are the 3 essential methods of learning. The same process occurs with girls who learn house and weaving skills from their mother or older sister.

d) Consolidating the secrets of the farm

As they live their everyday lives, they hone their skills associated with the farm and house. Through socialising with their elders and peers they continue to learn new techniques and skills which they then incorporate it into their own set of skills.