The cultural identity in the leaders of the future

Abstract

This document made an analysis on what knowledge students of fifth, sixth and seventh year of Basic Education School called “Líderes del Futuro”, located in Valencia Canton, Los Ríos Province, have on cultural identity. Valencia is one of the most vibrant Ecuadorian cities, known as "La Flor de Los Ríos”. This research used a mixed qualitative and quantitative approach to determine through questionnaires the responses of 9 teachers and 30 students on what students know about their Canton, what they know of its history, its customs and its traditions. In addition, an interview with a staff member of the department of culture of the I. Municipality of Valencia was conducted; his answer was confronted with the data provided by teachers and students. The analysis of the data showed that while students and teachers know the main aspects of the Canton, still needed to clarify this statement as indicated by the municipal official to enhance traditions and values that strengthen the cultural identity. Finally, it was concluded that there should be greater dissemination campaign of the projects that I. Municipality hosts to rescue, to study, and to promote the more authentic and original cultural values of the locality; respecting the past generations as a fundamental pillar of the new generations; and to preserve the historical memory by fostering a sense of belonging; and highlight the pride of being who students of “Líderes del Futuro”’ school are and where they are going to.