September and October were months filled with many firsts for me. It was the first time I visited Peru, the first time I met the young indigenous people we support and the first time I saw just how difficult, sometimes impossible, it is for young people in isolated regions to access the essential support and vital education they need to have any hope of equal opportunities in Peruvian life. It was also the first time I witnessed the impact of the work we are undertaking, be that with young people telling stories of learning, weavers choosing patterns for our ethical trade project, to enable work and independence, or the parent monthly meeting groups, showing just how much support there is for the young people on the ground in Peru as well at outside. All of this in very real time and all as part of a very memorable professional and personal experience.
My eyes and my heart have been well and truly opened; in every community, in the Amazon, in the Andes, I was welcomed with the warmth of Peruvian hospitality, invited into people's homes, told stories of progress and education, introduced to community members, to community animals, and given the chance to see the daily lives and challenges of those living remotely up close. This time in Peru brought to light the very real needs that exist right now and reminded me of the impact of our work, of the importance of having someone (you, GlobalGiving and Amantani) in Peru's corner. Reminded me of the importance of collective compassion, and of how human generosity can turn a lifetime of food insecurity and isolation into a life of education, opportunity and success.
Ayni - a core value that involves an on-going cycle of reciprocity and mutualismOne of the core values of our communities in Peru and a value that I am trying to live by is that of 'ayni', and so, it is here that I will begin to reciprocate my thanks and respect for those in Peru and begin to generate support for the plight of young Peruvians. It's my role at Amantani to help build a secure and reliable model of funding and I wouldn't be doing my job if I didn't really lean into that in these communications. The fact is, if you're reading this then we really need your help.
That's why I want to tell you about Giving Tuesday and GlobalGiving's #MoveAMillion campaign.
GIVING TUESDAY
Giving Tuesday was initiated as a response and balance to the deluge of seasonal spending on Black Friday. This year, on December 3rd, we’re thrilled to join forces again with GlobalGiving for a special initiative. For 24 hours, GlobalGiving will be matching donations—until funds run out! It’s a fantastic opportunity to amplify your impact and be part of the change that's happening in Peru. We did really well with matched donations in July and we'd like to do even better this December. Imagine being able to double your donation, £5 becomes £10, £10 becomes £20 and so on. I myself will be taking advantage of this offer!
It's incredibly important to us that we make supporting our young people as easy as possible and also that we make sure there's something in it for you too! Who doesn't want to have their gift doubled? If you're considering helping, 3rd of December is the date!
As always, please accept a sincere thank you from me, from our young people, the team at Amantani, and from Peru!
Abrazos,
Iain
