The MRU is involved in teaching oral Makashi language in schools, promoting awareness of domestic violence, educational programme and promoting traditional culture. The MRU represents 16 communities in the North Rupununi. The MRU is trying to ensure that their traditional knowledge, language and culture be maintained. The MRU has achieved success by promoting awareness of social issues such as HIV/AIDS education and domestic violence in the communities.
The main objective of the MRU is to study while reviving, the traditional way of life/lifestyle of the Makashi people focusing on their language, food, craft and biodiversity (ethno-medicine, hunting, fishing and farming). This is a first for any such programmes for Amerindian women within Guyana. There are no other comparable programmes for Amerindian women within Guyana, which combines culture, gender, traditional knowledge and skills to provide broad-based benefits for the entire Makashi people including raising funds from the products produced by the MRU. The Makashi Research Unit produced an important publication on Makusipe Komanto Iseru (Sustaining Makashi culture/way of life)and many other booklets and educational and social awareness materials on birds, cassava, fishes, wildlife, domestic violence and alcohol. The Makashi Researchers recorded Makashi knowledge of their homeland and ecosystems to benefit the present and future generations. |
