Schoolchildren from Mulchén learn about ancestral Mapuche traditions and wind energy with support from Los Olmos wind farm

August 29, 2024

A day of knowledge about ancestral Mapuche culture and traditions and about renewable energy was experienced by 75 students from Mulchén, who participated in the Intercultural Meeting of Schools in the commune.

The activity was held at the Ruka of the Malven Colhue Indigenous Association and was attended by second grade students from the Mulchén school; first grade students from the Aurora de Enero school and representatives from the Los Olmos wind farm.

The Malven Colhue Indigenous Association, chaired by Blanca Soto, invited the students to visit their meeting place – the Ruka – to teach them about the original traditions of the Mapuche People. The meeting included displays and explanations of clothing and musical instruments; learn about and try different typical dishes of their gastronomy and a tour of areas where ceremonies and prerogatives associated with the Mapuche culture are held.

Representatives of the Los Olmos Wind Farm of AES Chile also attended the activity, who commented on the operation of this infrastructure that generates renewable energy from the wind, as well as the importance of these technologies for the energy transition process that the country is carrying out.

It is worth remembering that the wind farm financed the construction of the Ruka, as part of its community commitments. Craprali Paimilla Cabeza, secretary of the Malven Colhue Indigenous Association, said that it was “an excellent activity, since it is the first time that children from a school in Mulchén have visited us, so I hope that young people and everyone who wants to learn about our culture will continue to come.”

Meanwhile, Benjamín Rengifo, head of Territorial Management and Communities in the Southern Zone of AES Chile, said, “We are very pleased with the development of this activity, which strengthens the alliance we have with this indigenous group. This type of activity is extremely important, since it allows students to learn about the alliances and social benefits that these projects provide to the communities surrounding the Los Olmos Wind Farm. In addition, they have the opportunity to learn about the culture and traditions of the Mapuche People, as well as the importance of wind energy for the energy transition process that the country is carrying out.”