Nerio Emiro Polanco Semprun, Tepichi Talashi, which means “happy child” in the Wayuu language, comes from the need to provide a place for the Wayuu children where they can learn, receive a warm and nutritious meal and play. Tepichi Talashi, name of the first preschool and elementary school of The Wayúu Taya Foundation, is a place where the dreams of hundreds of children come to life; they sing, learn about music, knit, play and take part in several recreational activities in classrooms, playgrounds and the institution’s churuata.
This institution counts with basic installations with an over 447 children capacity. These children are currently enrolled in their first cycle of formal education. Classes in this educational venue are given in both Spanish and Wayuunaiki.
Located on the way to the Cachiri, La Sierrita community, in the town of Mara, in the State of Zulia, was founded in January 1978 thanks to the contributions given by Mr. José Ángel Semprún Uriana who donated 50 square meters of land for the school’s construction to benefit the children of the community, with aims of gaining new knowledge and improving his instruction level. The indigenous leader passed away two years later, on March 26, 1980, according to his daughter, Melida Semprún, who is a representative of the school.
He authorized that the school be named “Mogu,” which was approved by the assembly of parents and representatives, as well as the board of directors of the institution.
The school El Mogu, located on the way to the Cachiri, La Sierrita community, in the town of Mara, in the State of Zulia, was founded in January 1978 thanks to the contributions given by Mr. José Ángel Semprún Uriana who donated 50 square meters of land for the school’s construction to benefit the children of the community, with aims of gaining new knowledge and improving his instruction level.
The indigenous leader passed away two years later, on March 26, 1980, according to his daughter, Melida Semprún, who is a representative of the school.
He authorized that the school be named “Mogu,” which was approved by the assembly of parents and representatives, as well as the board of directors of the institution.
Between 2011 and 2012, the Wayuu Taya Foundation obtained funding and resources to finish one of its most important educational programs, the construction of the school “El Mogu,” which benefits 220 students in a building with 4 classrooms, 3 restrooms and 5 educators, including the institution’s coordinator from its sector, hoping to create a better tomorrow by providing a proper, quality educational space.
The Wayuu Taya Foundation in alliance with Chevron Venezuela in 2012-2013 made and important and significative contribution to the Unidad Educativa Intercultural Bilingüe Surrala Wakuaipa, being able to achieve the construction of two classrooms.
Located in Venezuela, state of Zulia, in the town Jesús Enrique Lossada, Surrala Wakuaipa is a bilingual intercultural educational integrity institution for boys and girls of Wayuu ethnicity, particularly for working children who inhabit the surroundings of the “La Ciénaga” landfill, integrating them to the education process.
It currently has a student body of 576 children and it benefits from the social programs promoted by the foundation.
Founded in the year 1989, the U.E.N. Virgen de la Paz has a total of 200 students. The Wayuu Taya Foundation brings health, education, sports and nutrition programs for the children.
“Shukumajaya”, which means “beginning” in Wayuunaiki, is the Wayuu name chosen to identify the first edification built by this organization, for indigenous women to get together and work protected from the harsh weather of the location. The Shukumajaya is a big hut or churuata where they can knit.
With the support of other organizations, not only has the Foundation created a work place, but they have also become providers of the necessary materials to elaborate colorful artisan handbags. These bags, known as “Susu”, are a part of the Wayuu’s traditional symbols. They are also the product of a patient creation, an imaginative mix of colors and a careful and thorough labor which takes 8 hours a day, during 20 days to make each piece.
Shukumajayais also the social space where counseling and orientation in family planning, nutrition and hygiene are given.