Intercultural Education and Local Knowledge: A Perspective from the Dr Valentín Acha School in Cochabamba

Abstract

This article is based on educational experiences developed at the Dr. Valentin Acha Educational Unit, located in the Chulla region of the Cochabamba department, Bolivia. The objective of this educational unit was to analyze the importance of including local knowledge and cultural practices in daily classroom activities. A qualitative method was used to achieve this goal, which consisted of reviewing texts written by experts in decoloniality and interculturality, in addition to analyzing Latin American educational experiences that have addressed these topics. Among the most important results, we can mention the incorporation of this ancestral knowledge and wisdom, which helps students recognize and value their cultural identity and allows them to feel proud of their roots. Furthermore, this educational practice encourages community participation and more equitable relationships among all students, promoting a more equitable education that values all cultures and/or the diversity of cultures equally. Finally, we propose that educational units further promote these initiatives to build more inclusive and respectful educational communities in the face of cultural diversity.