The innovative program began in 1990 as part of a package of sweeping education reforms with goals that go far beyond basic instruction. He sympathizes with indigenous parents who fear that they will lose their children to the Spanish culture of the cities. But living in a society where Spanish is identified with progress and power, and where native languages signify backwardness and poverty, creates a conflict for indigenous adults. Many are unsure where they want their own children to fit in. But when they go to the city, they shield themselves from urban culture and don't want their children to learn Spanish.
Bilingual education is important because their language is their culture.
Bolivia's new indigenous language texts have illustrations showing children and adults dressed in indigenous clothing doing activities that rural children can recognize and learn to respect. The rural kids don't know what these things are. Their villages don't have electricity or buildings with stairs. What we want is respect for everyone, city or rural, because we're all equals. The reform program is also working to eliminate stereotypes of the role of women in society.