Free English lessons for Oaxacan Artisans

Ollin Tlahtoalli has recently organized an English program for Oaxacan artisans. The first group that received free English classes was from a community called Santo Tomás Jalieza, a small village of female weavers whose products witness the magic and ability of the first inhabitants to this region somewhere around 500 a.c. Actually, this village became one of the most important Zapotec ceremonial centers after a time of social and political turmoil that affected some of the most important cities of Mesoamerica, including Monte Alban and Mitla. For more information visit our site www.ollinoaxaca.org


Teaching these women was a remarkable experience, not only for their willingness to learn but for their personality and wisdom. There were seven people involved in this project, mainly participants of a teacher training program (SIT) and myself. I have taught English and Spanish for over ten years now and I have to say this was one of the most rewarding experiences both as a teacher and as the director of the center. Having these women at our center, learning a foreign language for their first time, has increased my motivation to continue running programs like this.

Women from Santo Tomás Jalieza after thier third week of classes at Ollin Tlahtoalli

Hopefully, next year we´ll start a Spanish literacy program for people who had to abandon their hometowns looking for better opportunities here in the city. Unfortunately, many of these people were never given the opportunity to attend school and as they grow older the need to work surpassed the need to learn. Ours is a society that stigmatizes the poor and rejects those that look different. Our indigenous communities and their people have suffered this rejection and denial for many years up to the point where they do not consider themselves worthy of an education. This is so wrong. These people have made and continue to make Oaxaca what it is: a place full of colors, traditions and magic.

Where are we?

Ollin Tlahtoalli is located in the city of Oaxaca, the fifth largest state in Mexico.
Oaxaca is perhaps one of the richest places in Mexico for its flora and fauna, traditions, legends, ethnic groups and of course, for its native languages. Although the official language is Spanish, there are over seventeen native languages that are spoken all around the state. The two most widely spoken are Zapotec and Mixtec, each with more than one variety or dialect. There are, however, languages like Ixcateco that are at verge of extinction.