The Bilingual Bicultural Education Project for the Asháninka of the Tambo River

Abstract

In 1983, the Amazonian Center for Anthropology and Practical Application (CAAAP) initiated its Bilingual and Bicultural Education Project for the Asháninka of the Tambo River, which was abruptly halted in 1987 with the arrival of the theorists of Shining Path. Among the project's achievements were the development of educational materials through the fourth grade and the successful persuasion of teachers of the importance of bilingual education. One of the main obstacles encountered was the lack of understanding among local authorities of the Ministry of Education. One of the most important conclusions drawn from this experience is that teacher quality is more decisive than educational materials.