[By Jessica Murillo]
To me, the most fascinating USLA project involves the Tarahumaras in the desolate mountainous regions of Ciudad Juarez. Tarahumaras speak a Uto-Aztecan language named Raramuri. It is an ancient language with several different dialects. There are over 60,000 speakers of this language with the majority of speakers in the state of Chihuahua.
Tarahumaras are embedded into border culture, we are taught to respect the ancestral image that they portray. USLA is working with the Rotary Club to gather computers and books to give to a center that aids indigenous Tarahumaran children. You may have a mental image of a tan Tarahumara with chanclas (sandals) and a red bandanna in front of a Macintosh. This is the intent of USLA and the contributors; to have Tarahumaras become computer literate while giving them the opportunity to learn Spanish. Every computer will have a language program to teach them Spanish. This is very important -- by giving Tarahumaras the gift of the Spanish language they will be able to integrate themselves into society. It will give the children educational opportunities, and adults will be able to function as a part of society.
There is so much need in this area and we have the tools and means to provide this educational opportunity and open doors for people in need. This project represents the union of old and new, of an ancient culture and new-age technology. These will be the foundation for a bilingual program for Tarahumaras. USLA has made it clear that they will not force anyone to participate in this but the opportunity will be there. It reminded me of the famous quote: "You can lead a horse to water but you can't make it drink". I can not begin to imagine the wonderful results of this program.
NOTE: USLA is grateful for this blog submission by Jessica Murillo, a student at the University of Texas, El Paso, Center for Inter-American and Border Studies.