📖 English translation is provided below each paragraph in italics.
Hey everyone — I'm Dary, and I want to share the story and the vision behind this project.
LudiTalk: Taking the Reins of the Community
A while back, I took over organizing the LudiTalk language exchanges (also known as Oaxaca Language Exchange — OLE). The project wasn’t originally mine; it was started by friends after the pandemic.
At that time, I was just another attendee — a mechatronics engineer trying to improve my English to find better job opportunities.
When they moved on, the project was left hanging.
So I had to decide: let it disappear, or keep it going.
I chose to continue because I understood something clearly: learning English in Oaxaca isn’t a luxury — it’s a tool that can open real opportunities. And access to formal education isn’t always there.
That’s why I also made a distinction: this is not a classroom. I don’t teach.
I just facilitate a space.
A space to practice, connect, make mistakes without pressure, and actually enjoy the process.
Stopping Asking for Permission
Oaxaca has a lot of talent. I know engineers, artists, and highly capable people… but many end up leaving because opportunities here are limited.
For a long time, I tried to build something meaningful by knocking on doors.
Most of them didn’t open.
At some point, you realize you don’t always need permission.
So I stopped waiting — and started building.
Not from ego, but from necessity.
Because yes, Oaxaca is in the global spotlight. But daily life here is different. There are priorities, costs, and time constraints. And when someone wants to do something different — like going out or exploring culture — it’s not always easy to find clear options.
How I Built Qué Onda Oaxaca
That’s how Qué Onda Oaxaca was born.
I built this platform from scratch — not just because of limited resources, but because existing tools are expensive and inflexible.
I also believe in open-source thinking and having control over what you build.
This site is modular. I can adapt it, change it, improve it.
There’s no marketing team. No UX designer. No project manager.
It’s just me.
And yes, it can be overwhelming.
But it also reminds me why I became an engineer in the first place: to build things that actually help people.
Culture Without Filters
There’s something that defines this project completely:
I don’t believe in cultural filters.
I don’t believe in gatekeeping what is “valuable” or not.
Because that often pushes people away.
Culture shouldn’t intimidate — it should invite.
And it doesn’t only exist in formal spaces.
It also lives in everyday life.
About Ads
I’ve avoided Google Ads because they’re often invasive and irrelevant to Oaxaca.
I’m exploring native advertising, but with a different approach:
supporting local projects, real businesses, and community spaces.
How This Project Survives
Qué Onda Oaxaca is primarily sustained by donations.
It has real costs: servers, development, time.
If you can't donate, using the platform and sharing it helps a lot.
👉 Support us on Buy Me a Coffee
The Ayuk Challenge
My native language is Ayuuk (Mixe).
I've always wanted to integrate indigenous languages into these kinds of spaces, but not knowing how to write it held me back.
Now I understand that you don't have to start perfectly.
If you speak or want to learn an indigenous language, this space is also for that.
Tech Development
After dealing with inappropriate content, I decided not just to block — but to improve.
I developed tools based on computer vision:
- Automatic event assistant
- Content filter
- Manual review
- Social media dissemination
Get Involved
If you like what we do or want to join one of our communities or sister projects, here they are:
Sister Communities and Projects (Instagram):- 🗣️ Oaxaca Language Exchange: @luditalk
- 🎬 Cineclub Yëk Uk: @cineyekuk
- 🎞️ Cine Poo · Atzompa: @cine.poo
In the end, all of this is simpler than it seems.
Culture, learning, and enjoyment shouldn't feel like a luxury.
They should feel natural. — Mish Dary
