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Our Mission
The
Learning-Community Kusikuna strives to nurture the growth of women and men that
can face all types of challenges in our modern world, grounded in genuine
respect for themselves, others, and the world around them. As a learning community we do this by
accompanying our students in their unique, individual development, while
cultivating critical and creative thinking, and promoting active, democratic
participation in their own education.
• In contrast to the typical Bolivian
educa-tion system, we believe that “learn to be, learn to learn, and learn to
think” is more important than memorizing information.
• We value learning based in life and for
life, which means education in relationship with production and action, as well
as environmental sustainability.
• We believe that
the diversity of families at Kusikuna enrich our learning community. Families of varying socio-economic
classes, urban and rural, local and foreign, all contribute to greater
acceptance and understanding of diversity. Therefore, we remain committed to
sliding-scale payment based on family income—so that cost never becomes a
barrier to attending Kusikuna.
• We practice the affirmation of unique identity—of
individuals, communities and societies. We insist on gender equality in and
beyond the classroom. We value the
reciprocity fostered by the diversity of opinions, religious backgrounds, and
experiences of every Kusikuna family.
• We practice education that respects the natural
biological and psychological development of children and adolescents.
• We promote self-esteem and creativity,
both through curriculum and as the organic result of student participation in
the educational process.
• We seek parent participation, assuming a
permanent dialogue with them, and seeking to know their expertise, their
concerns, and cultivating collaboration.
• Out of these values emerges our social
commitment to the future of our country, our local community, and the various
people groups of Bolivia. Through
the holistic education of the next generation, we hope to create a more just,
more transparent, more beautiful society that protects the rights of its own
and of the planet we call home.
Our Challenges (How you can work
together with us...)
Running an independent, non-profit, alternative school
in the Bolivian culture naturally results in numerous challenges, especially
with our economic commitment to accessibility for all famlies. Currently we are seeking help in the
following:
-Computers (new or used) in good condition
-Construction of an on-site caretaker house
-Resources (material and financial) to improve our
library: augmenting our book collection (including more copies of
curriculum-specific books), shelving, and seating for the reading area
-Improving the “green space” at Kusikuna: gardens, pathways, water storage for
irrigation
-Garden and land-use tools
-Improvement of our apiculture (beekeeping)
-Construction and improvement of eco-toilets
-Small food dehydrator (solar dryer)
-Construction of physics and chemistry lab
-Construction of a playground (with natural rustic
materials)
-Construction of new classrooms and an area for public
events
-Kusikuna receives volunteers on an annual basis. Volunteers assist in classrooms and in
teaching, according to their expertise and interest.
For more information, to inquire about volunteer
opportunities, or to visit us in Bolivia, please contact us at kusikuna.escuela@gmail.com.
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