Higher education for Amazonian youth in Peru

Partial Report of the Policarpo Home Project – December 2024

1. Project Objectives for 2024

The Corazonistas Foundation aims to provide access to high-quality professional education in teaching for 20 young people from riverine communities of the Upper Amazon in Yurimaguas, Peru. Through the Intercultural Home "Br. Policarpo," the project promotes education that respects and preserves the cultural roots and languages of the three present ethnic groups, enabling indigenous youth to train as teachers and contribute to the development and strengthening of their native communities.

2. Main Challenges

Native communities in the Amazon face a severe shortage of teachers capable of teaching children in their native languages and cultural contexts, limiting access to quality education adapted to their realities. Furthermore, indigenous youth live in remote areas, often days away from educational centers, and lack the resources to pursue higher studies in teaching. The Peruvian state education system does not provide residential alternatives for native students, exacerbating the situation.

3. Our Commitment and Actions

The Corazonistas Foundation has established a residence and support space for indigenous youth from the Shawi and Kukama ethnic groups, offering them the opportunity to complete their university studies in teaching. The Policarpo Home provides a conducive environment, continuous guidance, and the necessary conditions for students to successfully complete their higher education, ensuring a promising academic and professional future.

4. Reasons Driving This Project

The training of indigenous teachers is essential to ensure that Amazonian native communities receive quality education that respects their languages, cultures, and worldviews. Primary education in native languages facilitates the full development of children's abilities in these communities, promoting their identity and the well-being of their peoples. Additionally, the training of indigenous teachers is a cornerstone for the integral development of Amazonian communities, serving as the first step towards a more autonomous and prosperous future.

5. Activities Carried Out

5.1 Specific Activities for the Period (Sep - Dec 2024)

1. Infrastructure Maintenance (Sep - Dec)
   Maintenance tasks were carried out at the Policarpo Home facilities to ensure a suitable environment for the youth.
2. Lifestyle Workshops (July - Dec)
   Activities focused on personal development and holistic health were organized, including workshops on healthy lifestyle habits.
3. Workshops on Coexistence and Internal Regulations
   Group activities were promoted to strengthen the residents' coexistence and encourage compliance with the home's internal rules.
4. Nutrition and Healthy Eating Workshop (July - August)
   Workshops were conducted on the importance of a balanced diet tailored to the needs of the youth and students.

6. General Objective

To provide high-quality services to students from indigenous communities and peripheral areas, ensuring their comprehensive training at the Public Higher Pedagogical Education Institute of Yurimaguas.

Specific Objectives

1. Academic Monitoring
   Monitor the academic progress of the resident students, ensuring their performance meets optimal standards and established benchmarks.
2. Guarantee of Healthy Nutrition
   Ensure that students residing at Policarpo Home receive adequate and balanced nutrition, promoting their health and enabling them to perform optimally in their studies. This includes support for students from vulnerable situations in the city of Yurimaguas.
3. Promotion of Integration and Responsibility
   Provide continuous support to facilitate the integration of resident students, fostering an intercultural environment based on mutual respect and responsible fulfillment of their tasks and duties.
4. Christian Education
   Ensure that students receive Christian formation with the goal of becoming future promoters of Christian education in their respective communities.
5. Search for Funding
   Seek financial resources to continue improvements and adaptations at Policarpo Home, guaranteeing a suitable environment for the academic and personal development of the students.

Links:

• Project Report of the Corazonistas Foundation.
• The Policarpo Higher Education Home