Qichwata Rimay is an initiative dedicated to the preservation and revitalization of the Quechua language and the cultural heritage of the Andes. Through multimedia storytelling, educational programs, and community engagement, we empower individuals and communities to reconnect with their ancestral roots while promoting a culturally vibrant future.
Our work builds meaningful bridges between the Andes and the global diaspora, creating spaces where Indigenous knowledge, language, and traditions can be shared, celebrated, and preserved for generations to come.
What do we do?
We promote the preservation of our mother tongue, Quechua, and the knowledge of the Andes by empowering our communities and strengthening cultural identity. Through education, storytelling, and collaborative initiatives, we seek to ensure that Quechua language and Andean traditions continue to flourish in both local communities and the global diaspora.
Mission
Our mission is to revitalize the Quechua language and Andean culture through multimedia initiatives, community engagement, and cultural exchange. We work to strengthen connections with Quechua and Andean roots while supporting educational opportunities for children and adults, particularly in the region of Huancavelica, Peru.
Vision
Our vision is to build a cultural bridge between the Andes and the global diaspora, fostering awareness, understanding, and engagement with Andean heritage. Through innovative multimedia platforms and educational initiatives, we aspire to impower communities to preserve, celebrate, and share the richness of Quechua language and culture.
-About-
Our History
“These formative experiences inspired a lifelong commitment to
preserving the Quechua language and celebrating the cultural heritage of
the Andes.”
Qichwata Rimay was founded in 2019 by Luz Merissa Vargas Sairitupac. Luz Merissa was born in the small town of San Miguel de Curis, located in Huaytaá, Huancavelica, Peru. Growing up in the Peruvian highlands, she was deeply immersed in Quechua language and Andean traditions through the teachings of her grandmother and family.
These formative experiences inspired a lifelong commitment to preserving the Quechua language and celebrating the cultural heritage of the Andes. Qichwata Rimay reflects her dedication by creating
initiatives that honor ancestral knowledge while connecting communities across generations and borders.
Qichwata Rimay is founded
San Miguel de Curis A small town in Huaytaá, Huancavelica.
Learning from her grandmother. Quechua language and Andean traditions.
A lifelong commitment To preserving the Quechua language and cultural heritage of the Andes.
OUR PURPOSE
The initiative works to strengthen cultural identity and safeguard traditional knowledge by supporting educational programs, cultural storytelling, and community-based initiatives that celebrate the richness of Andean heritage.
-PROJECTS-
Our Work
Quechua Language Revitalization
Qichwa Lab
Willakuy & Yachakuy
Educational Qichwa Workshops
— EVENTS & PRESENTATIONS —
Academic & Cultural Engagement
We participate in academic and cultural events to promote awareness of Quechua language and Andean
heritage, fostering dialogue across institutions and communities.
Recent presentations include:
University of Texas at Austin — 2025
Quechua Alliance — 10th Annual Meeting
Quechua Alliance — 9th Annual Meeting (2024)
University of Alabama — Language Conference (UALC 2023)
– Resource –
Multimedia & Learning Materials
This section brings together the digital platforms and educational materials that support the mission of
Qichwata Rimay. Through multimedia storytelling and accessible learning resources, we share the voices,
knowledge, and cultural traditions of the Andes with a broader audience.
Documentary: “Echoes of Quechua”
Documentation from the Willakuy–Yachakuy Project
Quechua language learning resources
Gallery
QUECHUA
REVITALIZATION
Qichwata Rimay fosters the revitalization of the Quechua language, we engage in a variety of cultural activities to promote awareness of the Quechua Language and Andean heritage.
Presentations
Presentation at the 8th. Quechua Alliance Annual Meeting -2024
COMMUNITY
EMPOWERMENT
Empowering communities by safeguarding traditional knowledge is our core mission.
Our primary objective with these initiatives is to provide platforms for elderly individuals, women, and Andean families to exchange their traditional ecological wisdom. By fostering this exchange, we seek to both safeguard and promote traditional practices, while also nurturing storytelling and performing arts within the community.
Education
Empowering communities through Quechua language classes and immersive workshops, fostering pride and preserving ancestral heritage.
Classess
Providing Quechua language instructions in the diaspora, facilitating reconnection with cultural roots and Quechua-Speaking Communities.
Qichwa
Lab
Bringing Science Workshops to Children in Remote Areas, Overcoming Challenges of Limited Access to Materials and Equipment.
Sign up for
Quechua Basic
Courses
Materials included
You will have access to all the digital material used during the live classes.
Requirements
Access to the Zoom platform
Audience
People interested in having a first contact with the Quechua language, learning about Andean culture and rediscovering their roots.
Visit our
Qichwa Collections
at Biru Pacha
Birú Pacha is a micro business dedicated to empowering Andean artisans.
All proceeds generated from the items featured under ‘Qichwa Collections’ directly support the Qichwata Rimay initiative and its
Donate to
Qichwa Lab
All donations will go towards supporting the Workshops for Children and families in Remote Areas of Peru, assisting in overcoming the various challenges posed by limited access to materials, equipment, and transportation to these regions.
— shop —
Qichwa Collections at Birú Pacha
Birú Pacha is a micro-business dedicated to empowering Andean artisans while honoring traditional craftsmanship. Each piece is thoughtfully created using eco-friendly materials that reflect the beauty and spirit of Andean culture.
All proceeds generated from the items featured in the “Qichwa Collections” directly support the Qichwata Rimay initiative and its cultural and educational projects — helping preserve the Quechua language and Andean heritage for future generations.