Teaching the Wisdom of our Elders Preschool and the David Jimenez Learning Center consciously practice the Mam culture in everything they do. Collective work, consensus building, respect for nature, respect for each person regardless of gender. In addition, they practice Maya spirituality through learning the “nawales” – or specific spirit that is associated with each person based on their date of birth. They participate in  Maya ceremonies that ask for rain, or thank Mother Earth, or thank the Great Creator for the school year. 

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Activities in both schools celebrate speaking their Mam language on International Mother Language Day February 21. They celebrate their indigenous identity on the International Day of Indigenous Peoples, August 9th. Although sometimes the celebrations are held in the schools, they often host community-wide events and invite parents, other groups, and schools to share in these celebrations.