PROJECTS

1 - "Yachay Wasi Cultural Center, quechua" in Acopia, Peru, - One objective of Yachay Wasi, is being established in Acopia, the native village of Luis Delgado Hurtado, President of Yachay Wasi.

This Center is dedicated to the new generations of Inka descendants. Its aim is to preserve and teach the traditional values and arts to the children and to encourage them to be proud of their cultural heritage. Teaching of traditional crafts, such as weaving, ceramics, music... will be implemented. Classes on culture, history, archaeology, ancient ways will also take place utilizing amply the extensive photo archives of Yachay Wasi, courtesy of its President. These classes will be taught in Quechua, but there will also be instruction of Spanish and English.

The "Yachay Wasi Cultural Center, quechua" will address also other concerns of the community: health, habitat, communications, environment, income generating business development...This sustainable community development project based on cultural identity, incorporating traditional Indigenous knowledge and environmentally balanced technology, will benefit not only the children and parents, but the entire population of Acopia. Four other surrounding villages have participated in planning sessions.

ACOPIA: Acopia is located at an altitude of 3600 meters in the Andes in the province of Acomayo, Department of Qosqo. It is situated between two lakes, Pocamanchi and Acopia. Electricity was installed there in 1989.

There are about 200 families, mostly Indigenous, whose primary language is Quechua, secondary is Spanish. They are mainly farmers, raising also sheep and cows and doing some fishing in the nearby lakes. The village has a primary school, a high school, and a health center.

In 2001, Yachay Wasi received a small grant from the United Nations Voluntary Fund for the International Decade of the World's Indigenous Peoples to implement the first phase of the project.Additional funding is needed.Budget proposals are available. Small donations from the public are also appreciated. All contributions made to Yachay Wasi, Inc. in New York City are US tax exempt and will be forwarded to Yachay Wasi in Cuzco, Peru. A receipt will be sent to the contributor. Please, contact Yachay Wasi .