Schools are central to Rarámuri culture.

Many Rarámuri schools lack basic water, food, and infrastructure. Most schoolchildren walk ten or more miles to reach school and reside there for long periods. Many young Rarámuri, especially young girls, do not attend because of the lack of food, water, and infrastructure. Teachers are often unpaid and lack basic food and supplies.

The Copper Canyon Alliance’s Seeds to Schools Program provides clean water and seed banks that ensure year-round food, seeds, and agricultural support for the schools, children, teachers, and community. Seed banks with indigenous varieties of seeds are grown, harvested, and stored at seed banks constructed beside schools. The seeds and food ensure Rarámuri resident schoolchildren have ample nutrition and their schools have a sustainable source of seeds, food, and income.

Clean water systems and scholarships are also provided at indigenous schools. In addition, the seed banks provide hands-on learning opportunities, and we support indigenous Rarámuri teachers and Rarámuri language instruction. Seeds to Schools provides essential nutrition to school children and surrounding communities while boosting school attendance, support, and educational outcomes.

Rarámuri communities are leading, organizing, and monitoring the Seeds to Schools Program. Their leaders have identified the most pressing needs, developed the most sustainable solutions, and are implementing the project on the ground.