Problem

The indigenous peoples of the Peruvian Amazon have very few opportunities to study beyond high school. Although a semester in the local Intercultural University only costs $250 this is out of reach for many families. Many students sacrifice everything they have to study and even go days without food so they can pay their tuition. These scholarships would cover living expenses as well as a small stipend for room and board as well as school supplies.

The Gift

This gift will provide a Shipibo student to attend a local university. Many Shipibo people have expressed interest that their kids can become their own doctors, lawyers, and engineers instead of always having to rely on outside professionals. This gift will give the opportunity for more Shipibo students to one day become professionals who can work directly with the indigenous communities. Many Shipibo families have expressed to Village Earth that this is their number one priority to see their children continue their studies. The regional Organization for the Defense and Development of the Indigenous Peoples of the Peruvian Amazon will administer the scholarship program making sure that students from throughout the region will be given the opportunity to be considered for a scholarship. The scholarships will be awarded based on both merit and need, as well as the students' future plans and how they will contribute back to their community.