Indigenous Youth Leading the Amazon's Future

Dear Friends and Supporters,

We are excited to share the latest updates from our journey alongside Indigenous youth during the first months of 2026. This period has been defined by significant academic milestones and essential spaces for reflection that continue to strengthen the future of the Amazon.

One of our most rewarding initiatives this quarter was the academic reinforcement program. Throughout January and February, we accompanied 46 young applicants from OEPIAP as they prepared for their university entrance exams. By diving into subjects ranging from psychology to philosophy, these students demonstrated incredible dedication. We are proud to announce that on February 22nd, 12 students (6 women and 6 men) successfully secured their places at the university. Seeing their motivation—and knowing that many others were only a few points away—inspires us to keep refining these tools for academic success.

We also celebrate a historic achievement for Llerlin José Pacunda Cruz, a young Awajún from the community of Ajachim. On February 6th, José reached a major milestone by successfully defending his thesis in Environmental Management Engineering at UNAP. His research on the conservation of the Lagothrix lagotricha (woolly monkey) beautifully integrates technical expertise with the ancestral knowledge of his people. Having begun this path in 2019, overcoming both cultural and geographic barriers, José’s graduation stands as a powerful inspiration for other Indigenous youth dreaming of protecting their territories through professional leadership.

Finally, in March, we turned our focus inward to the safety and well-being of the student community. We facilitated participatory workshops with 44 students to begin drafting an internal protocol against gender-based violence and harassment. These sessions provided a vital space to reflect on rights and safety, while also offering training in sexual and reproductive health. By promoting self-care and mutual respect, we continue to build the foundations of Buen Vivir within the organization.

Whether it is a university admission, a successful thesis defense, or a new protection protocol, each step confirms that Indigenous leadership is built on a foundation of both modern tools and deep-rooted identity. Thank you for walking this path with us and for making this vital work possible.

With gratitude,

The Chaikuni Team