By Iain Allan Mills | Head of Fundraising & Partnerships
Dearest GlobalGiving supporters,
One of the biggest problems young people in the Andes face is an uncertian future in the job market. There is often work but that work is often underpaid and with little or no security. Imagine the signal of progress then when Héctor Raúl, an outstanding former scholarship student, joined the Amantani staff team as a tutor this last month.
As a Quechua speaker and someone who has walked the same path as the students he now supports, Héctor brings a unique and powerful perspective to the role. His presence is already making a real difference. This is the first time in the history of Amantani that a participant has been formally hired as a member of the team. A true testament to Hector Raul's determination and effort! And a real world reflection of how your support is making a lasting difference in the Andes of Peru.
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In other 'firsts' news: a new edition of our Pathways Programme has launched in Cusco
In recent weeks, the Pathways Programme has grown with a new cycle beginning in Ccorca. Almost 30 young people will be staying on our campus in Corcca while they begin a process of academic and personal growth. Over the coming months, they’ll receive the support they need to strengthen their skills and prepare to apply to universities or technical institutes next year. It’s the beginning of the life-changing journey that will continue to shape their futures into one filled with opportunities. I've expanded on the Pathways Programme a little below, but if you want, you can skip that and jump to the end!
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The Pathways Programme serves as a foundational initiative designed to prepare young people for higher education, complementing the Transitions Project, which supports those already enrolled in such programmes.
Focusing on students in their final year of secondary school, the Pathways Programme provides essential academic and psychosocial support, addressing the unique challenges faced by youth in rural Andean communities. It aims to build core life skills, enhance self-esteem, and foster resilience, ensuring that participants are equipped to navigate the transition to higher education successfully.
The programme includes workshops that emphasise personal development, vocational orientation, and the importance of parental involvement in the educational journey. This holistic approach not only prepares students academically but also encourages emotional and psychological well-being, which is crucial for their success in higher education.
In essence, the Pathways Programme acts as a preparatory step that feeds into the Transitions Project. Once students complete the Pathways Programme and enroll in higher education, they benefit from the ongoing support provided by the Scholarships Programme, which includes scholarships, mentorship, and additional resources to ensure their academic success and employability. Together, these initiatives create a comprehensive support system that empowers young people to break the cycle of poverty and achieve their educational and career goals.
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As always, dear supporter, thank you for being part of this journey with us.
And a special, heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined our GlobalGiving fundraiser this month — your generosity truly makes a difference, and we’ve felt it every step of the way. Thanks to you, more doors are opening for young people in the Andes, just ask Hector Raul and the new cohort of students taking part in the pathways programme!
We are excited to continue walking this path with all of you.
¡Hasta pronto!
Iain
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