Leaning from Within

Unlocking Silent Histories (USH) began in 2012 in Chirijox, Guatemala. It emerged from my desire to address the inequities in education systems, which are often criticized as tools for eradicating culture and language (Spring, 1994). Recognizing this, I engaged with communities to listen and learn how they define learning and how it can empower young people to celebrate their histories. These insights shaped the foundation of USH, emphasizing the importance of culturally responsive education. We invite you to explore each location to discover the unique adaptations of USH, which highlight methodologies that can inform future work in similar communities (Smith, 1999; Wilson, 2008; Freire, 1970; Tuck & Yang, 2012).