The Tinkuy - 13th April 2010

On Tuesday 13th April 2010, Amantani UK held an official Tinkuy (Quechua for 'meeting') with the girls from the boarding school, their parents and several elders from the local communities. We discussed various matters, including the education in the district and the changes that have occurred in Ccorca over the last few generations. Just by listening and talking with care and respect, we can discuss their interests and what worries them as individuals and as members of the community. In such a way we will be able to construct and plan in line with the desires of the community before thinking for them using ‘logical’ depersonalized reason.

Analyzing the community’s replies, we can conclude that community life in previous generations was characterized by respect, both in human relationships and in their interaction with nature. Society was orientated around mutual aid, which supported a community built on reciprocation and deep rituality. In other areas, they had developed a sense of economical independence, both in their dress and food. We can see that the fragile yet seemingly balanced eco-system that once existed in Ccorca has been undermined by globalization. This is a truth that is being perpetuated by the education system here which further alienates these children from their culture.

In general, the parents and elders say that for the community to prosper, the schools should teach rural skills, which are useful in the communities themselves. The parents therefore advocate an intercultural schooling, which draws on teaching from both the western and Andean cultures. The parents also confirm that the local schools should help to retain their ancestors’ knowledge, encouraging interaction between all generations and restoring the respect that once existed between old and young, man, woman and nature.