In the heart of the Peruvian Andes, where the majestic mountains meet the vibrant culture of indigenous communities, Amantani strives to make a significant impact. In 2019, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) estimated that 40% of those identifying as Indigenous enrolled in tertiary education and only 14% of those who only spoke an Indigenous language pursued a university education. Amantani is dedicated to defending the rights of indigenous children and young people, working tirelessly to provide access to higher education and create opportunities for a brighter future.

Background

Founded in 2008, Amantani operates in the high-altitude regions of the Peruvian Andes, where indigenous communities often face numerous challenges, including economic hardships, limited access to education and a lack of resources. The organization currently operates in Ccorca, a Quechua district close to Cusco. While Ccorca embraces a strong culture tied to indigenous roots and collaboration amongst each other, the marginalized indigenous communities still suffer from alcoholism, discrimination and violence.

Amantani’s goal is to provide children and young adults in Ccorca access to higher education and employment opportunities, encouraging social growth and indigenous pride among rural communities across Peru. The organization works in tandem with the Children of Peru Foundation, receiving funding from the foundation to build better educational opportunities for underprivileged children.

Access to Education

Amantani firmly believes that education is a powerful tool for breaking the cycle of poverty and empowering indigenous youth. Rural communities across Peru lack access to steady education, with both teachers and students facing obstacles to getting to school due to the country’s lack of sufficient infrastructure. Language barriers between teachers from urban regions and students who only speak Quechua contribute to the growing disadvantages many children in Ccorca face when learning basic elementary school lessons.

Amantani collaborates with local communities to establish and support educational programs tailored to meet the specific needs of indigenous children. The organization, working with funding from the Children of Peru Foundation, has built boarding houses for more than 350 children who faced physical barriers to school. Additionally, scholarship programs have been initiated for more than 100 young people. Furthermore, 35 are participating in monitoring programs from the boarding houses.

Fighting for Higher Education

While primary education is crucial, Amantani goes a step further by actively advocating for higher education opportunities for indigenous youth, particularly young women. Many girls, some of whom endure four-hour walks to get to school, face risks of domestic violence and sexual abuse in their attempts to pursue an education. With girls often negated to the traditional role of a wife or mother, Amantani emphasized that access to tertiary education could be transformative for them, opening doors to better employment opportunities.

The organization has set up several initiatives to fund fellowships and university costs. Ethical Trade is an initiative where more than 40 female artisans and crafters create Andean hats and bracelets to sell for a profit in Peru and the U.K. Ethical Trade not only supports local community economics but also utilizes the revenue to fund university studies, promoting financial literacy among young women.

The Transition Project

Amantani implemented the Transitions Project to support the shift of young people from secondary schooling to university. When the organization was first established, only 35 children were enrolled in secondary school. By 2017, Amantani’s support helped enroll 221 students in secondary school, with 75 students preparing to graduate and pursue higher education or formal employment.

The Pathways Program portion of the Transition Project encourages capacity building, offering academic and psychosocial support through educational workshops and specialized mentoring. The program specializes in offering computer literacy, numeracy and literacy classes to prepare students for university entrance exams and equip them with essential digital communication skills.

The Scholarships Program portion of the Transition Project encourages reaching opportunities, providing scholarships at technical colleges and universities along with support from a professional team of teachers and psychologists. The program’s Youth Hub is facilitated by a student council to lead workshops for young people. In addition, the program has created an extensive network of employer partners to connect graduating students with full-time work opportunities.

Amantani’s dedication to defending the rights of indigenous children and young people in the Peruvian Andes is commendable. By fostering a commitment to education, the organization is not only breaking the chains of poverty but also uplifting the rich cultural heritage of Ccorca’s indigenous communities. Through their efforts, Amantani is planting the seeds of empowerment, cultivating a future where indigenous youth can thrive and contribute to the development of their communities and beyond.

– Megha Gupta
Photo: Flickr