The main target of the programme of the Don Bosco University (UDB) is the formation of a generation of “Náhuat-speakers”, who replace the present one that only comprises generations of grandfathers and great-grandfathers. The children who attend the “Náhuat Cradle” are the ones who will prevent Náhuat from becoming a dead language.

The educational contents and the linguistic and psychomotor skills are proposed by the Ministry of Education and recommended for children. The activities of the formative programme are developed exclusively in Pipil language, and are attended by indigenous women who speak Náhuat and are known as “nanzin tamatxtiani” (i.e. “lady teachers”) who interact with the children only in Náhuat language.

Jorge Lemus, Director of the Department of Linguistic Research at the Don Bosco University, explains that “through this programme, all the members of the community, both indigenous and non indigenous, have reassessed the value of the Pipil cultural heritage, and in particular of its language, and that among indigenous people today, many of whom, before this programme started, denied their historical patrimony, have now developed a new ethnic pride”.

“Besides – he proceeds – the indigenous woman from Santo Domingo de Guzman has managed to claim her rights, to be recognized as essential for the safeguard of the indigenous ancestral culture. The “Náhuat Cradle” has managed to draw the attention of academic, governmental and non governmental organizations, both national and international, together with tourists and people interested in this matter”.

The UDB commenced this programme in 2010 through the Department of Linguistic Research, and has so far led over 200 children of the community to obtain their diploma.

The programme is supported by the Ministry of Education, UNICEF, and the town of Santo Domingo de Guzmán and has been recognized by UNESCO as an example of “good practice towards linguistic revival” at a global level.

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