Peruvian Indigenous School Revitalizes Murui-Bue Language
Why this is here: The school currently teaches 15 children, and has grown to include roughly 30 Murui-Bue speakers among children, adolescents, and adults, demonstrating the tangible impact of language revitalization efforts.
Zoila Ochoa is revitalizing the nearly extinct Murui-Bue language in the Peruvian Amazon. She founded the Autonomous Murui-Bue School where children learn the language, songs, cooking, cultivation, and environmental care. Ochoa also promotes community leadership, especially among girls, to defend their territory, culture, and rights.
Ochoa’s work began when only one person spoke Murui-Bue in their community. Now, over 30 people are reclaiming the language thanks to her efforts. She views language recovery as both cultural preservation and collective healing after centuries of violence against her people.
The school emphasizes practical skills and connection to the land, teaching children about medicinal plants and sustainable practices. Ochoa also established the Cultural Environmental Association IDO R+ÑO ("Woman Seed") to reclaim ancestral seeds and reforest degraded lands.