The Q’eqchi’ Association Xch’ool Ixim (Heart of Corn), in partnership with the Ministry of Education of Guatemala, is leading the development of a Local Bilingual Curriculum for 44 schools in the municipality of Cobán, Alta Verapaz. This process ensures that community leaders, parents, and teachers actively participate in shaping an educational model that reflects their identity, language, values and ancestral knowledge.  It also provides guidance on how to include the local knowledge into subjects like arts, sciences, technology, social and natural science.

Importantly, the development of the first Maya Local Curriculum will ensure the integration of Intercultural Bilingual Education, cultural approaches, and the Maya worldview and philosophy of the Q’eqchi’ people.

Educational Impact:

• 2,700 students will have access to culturally and linguistically relevant education.
• 97 teachers will use the Local Curriculum in their classrooms.
• 44 schools and communities from the Nimlajacoc and Salacuim region are involved in the development of the local curriculum.
• 1 Bilingual Local Curriculum will be officially approved by the Ministry of Education to serve the Q’eqchi’ Maya people of Alta Verapaz.

The Curriculum Development project consists of four key stages:

1) Establishing community organization and foundational conditions,

2) Characterizing cultural and linguistic components,

3) Designing methodological learning experiences, and

4) Strengthening classroom education through teacher training, mentoring, and educational materials.

The Xch’ool Ixim educators along with the Ministry of Education authorities, teachers, and parents, are committed to contributing to the development of the first Local Curriculum and to the promotion of education with cultural and linguistic relevance in the classroom.

The Curriculum Development project is made possible with support from the @Tinker Foundation.