Upon congregating in a little circle to learn Quechua songs at Kusi Kawsay, a little boy ran up to take my hand and partake in the song. It appeared he knew this one! And he was excited to share.
The Kusi Kawsay school was tucked away into a little section of the hills above Pisac- the environment, buildings, and gardens all beautifully intertwined with the landscapes. I honestly couldn’t think of a better place for a child to learn. The children were (understandably) apprehensive of the prying tourists exploring their space, but it was evident their love and trust for their teachers in the ways in which they hugged and clung to their teachers in the midst of all the curious excitement.
I have had previous reservations about Waldorf schools; specifically from witnessing misguided implementations of its philosophy in ways that isolate children from ideas from the outside world. Because of Waldorf’s “child led” philosophy, there are limitations of not introducing children to skills that they didn’t have an immediate interest in that may be needed in day to day living. However, I do think at face value, implementing education that encourages creativity and curiosity is better than making children think they are unintelligent when they might not excel at hyper specific skills for niche professions they might potentially pursue.
I think what makes Kusi Kawsayi less “Waldorf adjacent” is its deliberate integration of Andean culture into the curriculum; serving with the intent of deepening connections that children have to their heritage, community, and land rather than isolating connection to the outside. From what I witnessed during my limited time spent at the Kusi Kawsay school, the children were learning pretty standard circulum’s that were adapted in ways that serve to also pass down traditions and embrace Indigenous ways of knowing and understanding the world. Skills like weaving and gardening were taught in ways that did not divide children by gender. The school discussed teaching lessons surrounding sustainability and balance, which was honestly reflected in many aspects of their learning environment. This was really highlighted through the lack of plastic in the schools, and the extensiveness of all the medicinal herbs that were so beautifully growing all over the property.
To me, Kusi reflected an incredibly secure and comfortable environment that really fostered a healthy learning environment for its students. I really admired the embrace of ancient traditions in combination with skills that would provide the students opportunity for jobs in the future.
I think I am curious as to what the curriculum for older students looks like. And what thoughts are on their education. I think students’ perspectives are ultimately really telling of the success of an education system.
3 replies on “Experience Blog #4: Kusi Kawsay and Indigenous Ways of Knowing”
Hi Grace! Thanks for sharing some special moments you had during the Kusi Kawsay school. I also feel that the environment provided was conducive to a positive learning experience. It seemed that the students deeply respected their teachers. I am also curious about the curriculum for older students. When Cissy, Emma and I visited on Monday to speak to the permaculture teacher, we saw some older students grabbing instruments and playing music together. I get a sense that there is considerable room for creative expression in their classes which I admire.
Hi Grace,
Thank you for the wonderful post! I think this is my first time commenting on one of you blogs?? Sorry it took this long when you’re such an incredible writer! I see Emily already commented about our second visit to learn more about the garden. I’ve come to know that Indigenous ways of knowing are almost always intimately tied with the land, and so land-based learning is a practically necessary component of Indigenous-led education. Stepping foot into Kusi Kawsay, the garden was the first thing I noticed. I learned from one of the teachers that students help out in the garden and in doing so, learn about the plants of the region, their traditional uses, and sustainable permaculture food growing techniques. It was an honour to learn from her about all the incredible plants.
Take care,
Cissy
“I honestly couldn’t think of a better place for a child to learn.” It seems to me that the visit was very important for all of us. Roxana herself sends her children to that school, and I can’t help but think about what future she aspires to for them, since she is aware of Pisac’s place in a global world. (I don’t dare ask her either.)