The recent launch of El gran viaje de Totu, a children’s book inspired by the Wixárika pilgrimage, marks an important step in celebrating cultural heritage and strengthening community ties in Mexico. The book was presented in Mexico City by Think Equal in collaboration with Conservación Humana, El Hilo de Ariadna, UNESCO, and the National Council for Educational Promotion (CONAFE), with the participation of Wixaritari representatives. It is designed to instill values of respect, empathy, and cultural diversity in children, including those in contexts of human mobility and those living near or far from Wixárika sacred sites.
The publication coincides with the historic inscription of the Wixárika Route through Sacred Sites to Wirikuta on the UNESCO World Heritage List, which formally recognizes one of Mexico’s most sacred cultural landscapes and the traditions of the Indigenous Wixaritari people. Described as a symbolic gift from the community, the book highlights the importance of caring for nature and the environment while passing down ancestral knowledge across generations.
UNESCO emphasized the power of storytelling as a means to bring children closer to cultural practices, strengthen identity, and preserve wisdom that remains highly relevant today. The initiative also reflects a broader effort to connect cultural safeguarding with early years’ education, particularly in fostering non-violence, empathy, and respect through social and emotional learning.
Think Equal, a global NGO, has been expanding its presence in Mexico with the support of Conservación Humana since 2023. In partnership with CONAFE, state ministries, and local actors, the organization has rolled out its evidence-based social and emotional learning programs in more than 10 states, including Chiapas, Jalisco, Nayarit, and Veracruz, reaching thousands of young children. Early results demonstrate reduced violence, bullying, and anti-social behavior in schools, while promoting resilience and inclusivity among students.
Leslee Udwin, Founder of Think Equal, praised Mexico’s leadership in adopting this vision, highlighting that El gran viaje de Totu represents a journey that connects cultural heritage, education, and values essential for future generations. By addressing the roots of violence and exclusion early in life, the initiative is contributing to the creation of safer, more empathetic, and more cohesive communities across the country.
