Recuperación de los saberes socio-comunitarios en torno al emprendimiento del tejido de lana de oveja y alpaca que realizan las mujeres-socias de la Cooperativa de producción artesanal Tejemujeres del cantón Gualaceo (Azuay, Ecuador)

Abstract

The reconstruction of significant pedagogical practices in Youth and Adult Education (EPJA) within the context of Non-Formal Education represents a relevant scenario in the construction of meaningful life-long learning. framed by a critical interpretation of practices from a socio-community and pedagogical approach, with an emphasis on how these practices have contributed to the transformation and improvement of production conditions and quality of life. Specifically, the study conducted in the canton of Gualaceo, province of Azuay, Ecuador, was carried out with the aim of systematizing practical experiences in the context of Non-Formal Education for Youth and Adults within the artisanal production cooperative “Tejemujeres,” focusing on the recovery of socio-community knowledge related to the entrepreneurship of weaving sheep and alpaca wool. Therefore, the study was conceived from a socio-critical paradigm corresponding to a qualitative approach, using participatory methodology, and in such a way, it applies the systematization of experiences by Oscar Jara. The identification/selection of the educational practical experience began with the collection of information in an integrated matrix sheet, following contextualization criteria; the creativity of the actors involced in generating or adapting ideas; relevance in responding to the specific demands and needs of the subject; and the participation of the actors in planning, organization, execution, and decision-making). The analysis of the information provided deeper insights into the findings related to the cooperative, yielding more specific results were obtained from the techniques and instruments: semi-structured interview (question guide), non-participant observation (observation guide), and document review (content record), directed at the women weavers (members). The results were organized, analyzed, and interpreted based on the categorization of the recovery of sociocommunity knowledge related to the entrepreneurship of weaving sheep and alpaca wool; from which the subcategories of revaluation, organization, production, and commercialization were revealed. This research will serve as a reference to recovering the learnings from the significant experience of the Cooperative, as well as possible improvements that can be proposed to this experience within the context of Non-Formal education for Youth and Adults.