Higher education for Amazonian youth in Peru

Recalling the Project:

The Brother Policarpo Residence was born in 2019 within the Monseñor Elías Olázar Public Higher Pedagogical Institute in the city of Yurimaguas to address the challenges and objectives set, aiming to provide better services to students from indigenous communities and those experiencing extreme poverty.

At the end of this year 2023, we have worked on several challenges. The first is to continue the construction of the new Pedagogical Institute, abandoned for over a year. The second is to finalize the administrative management to obtain legal recognition for the residence and proceed with its construction.

Throughout the academic year 2023, the residence has operated in a house owned by the Vicariate, previously used to accommodate underprivileged Shawi people arriving in Yurimaguas. With the support of the Institute, we have made significant adjustments to this facility. The Bishop has generously allowed its use for as long as necessary.

In 2023, students have lived in these facilities. This excites us because, from this space, we provide solidarity assistance. Notably, with the efforts of these young people, a housing module comprising a chapel, dining area, computer room, bedroom, and pantry was established in the previous year.

The Brother Policarpo Project is a unique experience as it educates students from indigenous communities, riverbanks, and settlements in human and Christian values. The commitment, effort, and faith breathe life into this non-profit home. Additionally, our residence has opened its doors and heart, welcoming the simple people of the Pucaloma neighborhood throughout the year, educating them in faith and human promotion.

General Objective and Specific Objectives Achieved in 2023:

General Objective: Provide quality services to students from indigenous communities and peripheral areas to ensure their comprehensive education at the Monseñor Elías Olázar Public Higher Pedagogical Institute in the city of Yurimaguas.

Specific Objectives:

1. Supervise the process and academic performance of students living in the Residence.
2. Ensure the quality of the food received, promoting nutrition and good performance for students living in the Residence and those coming from extreme situations in the city of Yurimaguas.
3. Support the integration of Residence students within the framework of interculturality and ensure they fulfill assigned responsibilities.
4. Ensure the provision of Christian education to Residence students, fostering their role as promoters of Christian values in their communities.

Students Benefited During the 2023 Academic Year:

The Policarpo Project has promoted twenty-five students living in the Brother Policarpo Residence in the city of Yurimaguas and young students at the Pedagogical Institute living in city settlements facing significant needs due to family poverty.

Goals and Achievements in 2023:

1. Self-assessment of the work team, educators, and residence staff.
2. Design and development of the Brother Policarpo Residence Plan at the Monseñor Elías Olázar Public Higher Pedagogical Institute.
3. Evaluation of the Improvement Plan processes of the Brother Policarpo Residence at the Monseñor Elías Olázar Public Higher Pedagogical Institute.
4. Monitoring and evaluation of the Improvement Project processes of the Brother Policarpo Residence at the Monseñor Elías Olázar Public Higher Pedagogical Institute.
5. Feedback on the processes of the Brother Policarpo Residence Project, according to the established plan at the beginning of the year.
6. Preparation of the final report.

Timeline of Activities During the 2023 Academic Year:

1. Annual presentation of the Project to the Delegation and "Fundación Corazonista-Madrid" for review, evaluation, and approval. January - February
2. Personal and psychological interviews with young people who want to live in the Residence during the academic year. March
3. Infrastructure adaptation: mosquito net maintenance, preparation of the girls' Residence, etc. March and August
4. Opening of the school year and operation of the Residence. March to December
5. Welcome to young people living in the Residence during the 2023 academic year. March and August
6. Development of workshops on study habits, proper use of leisure time, learning to play musical instruments, and local dances. April, July, and August
7. Presentation in public spaces of what they learned during leisure time in events and sessions. March, July, September, and November
8. Workshops on lifestyle education for Residence youth. March and August
9. Workshops on good coexistence and compliance with the Internal Regulations. March and August
10. Healthy nutrition workshop. April and August
11. Weekly evaluation, role and responsibility changes. March to December
12. Support in the nutrition of Residence youth. March to December
13. Care and maintenance of the house, farm, and spaces of the Residence. March to December
14. Health check-ups for housed students (anemia, underweight, deworming, malaria prevention, COVID-19 prevention, HIV prevention, etc.). July, September, and November
15. Participation in catechesis and Christian celebrations at the Residence. March to December
16. Volunteering at the Pedagogical Institute, Local Church, rural and urban community during situations of aid. March to November
17. Christmas dinner. December
18. Evaluation and accountability to the Delegation, Province, and Foundation for the Project developed. December.

Budget Executed During the Year 2023:

[Include the budget as a pdf document, in the documents section.]

Sustainability of the Project for the Future:

At present, it is challenging to visualize the sustainability of the Project in the short and medium term, especially when the effects of instability continue to cause adverse consequences, limiting opportunities for many young people striving for a better future. However, with the support of donors from GlobalGiving and the Foundation Corazonista - Madrid, we can continue this hopeful project, providing opportunities to those in need.

Continuous Project Evaluation:

To consistently improve the Residence-Albergue service, part of the Welfare and Employability Leadership Plan at the Monseñor Elías Olázar Higher Pedagogical Institute, an evaluation of each activity is conducted through a satisfaction survey with beneficiaries at the end of the year.

Acknowledgments:

We appreciate your generous support for this humanitarian project. Given the circumstances, your assistance is crucial to properly attend to these students from indigenous, rural, and riverside areas, as well as those from the outskirts of the city of Yurimaguas.

The project is managed by the Brothers of the Sacred Heart of Yurimaguas community, and we commit to providing an account of the expenses incurred, delivering documentary evidence and photographs that substantiate the development, process, and completion of the project at the end of the year.