Indigenous Youth Leading the Amazon's Future

Dear Friends and Supporters,

We hope this report finds you in good health, enjoying the season and embracing the spirit of Buen Vivir —a life rooted in harmony, connection, and fulfillment. Today, we’re proud to share some updates about the journeys of the Indigenous students we support. Many of these students, whom we’ve known since they began their university studies, are now reaching professional milestones and envisioning exciting futures ahead.

In recent months, two Awajún students, Josoe and Pitit, have joined the Chaikuni team. Josoe, an Environmental Management Engineering student, is working closely with the local authorities to register forest plantations in a Kukama Indigenous community. Meanwhile, Pitit, a Tropical Forest Ecology student, is contributing to an intercultural health project at the Indigenous Student Residence. There, she is helping implement spaces to increase the diversity of medicinal plants available.

Pitit’s story is especially close to our hearts. Over the years, she’s participated in women’s circles, shared her talent for songwriting, and completed internships at our Permaculture Center. Recently, she graduated and is now finalizing her thesis research, which focuses on documenting and preserving the traditional agroforestry knowledge of her Awajún community. We’ve been by her side throughout this process, including accompanying her into the field to support her work.

This year, OEPIAP welcomed students from 10 Indigenous nations, including Yagua, Arabela, Ticuna, Shawi, Achuar, Awajún, Wampís, Kichwa, Chapra, and Bora, and we’ve been supporting these students academically. Over the past months, we’ve held tutoring sessions for both university students and those preparing to apply for higher education. These sessions are tailored to address academic and cultural gaps while valuing the knowledge each student brings from their community. English classes, in particular, have been a standout favorite.

In November, OEPIAP celebrated its 21st anniversary. To mark the occasion, we organized a roundtable discussion on the challenges of interculturality in higher education. This event brought together representatives from many partner institutions, creating a much needed space for critical dialogue and strengthening our shared commitment to inclusive, transformative education.

As we approach the end of the year, we’re filled with gratitude and anticipation. This has been a year of growth, connection, and a return to the values that inspired the creation of our intercultural education program nearly a decade ago. It’s a joy to see the seeds planted back then now blossoming.

We wish you a peaceful and joyful closing of  the year and look forward to sharing more updates with you in 2025. Thank you for standing with us, helping us grow, and making it possible to witness these achievements.

Warmly,

The Chaikuni Institute Team