Deep in the Amazon Rain Forest of Ecuador is a nation of people living a simple, difficult and beautiful way of life.
These people, known as the Achuar, maintain traditional practices and ways of life. They love the rain forest and what the forest provides; food, shelter, medicine and a spiritual sense of life.
A young Achuar girl in the village of Tiinkias with traditional face paintings.
The view of the Amazon rain forest from above in the eastern part of Ecuador and home of the Achuar.
Outside pressure is growing on the 7000 Achuar people living in 56 communities spread across 2 million acres of virgin rain forest from oil and mining interests.
Desiring to maintain and protect their traditional way of life in the forest, they are aware of the necessity of education.
As I was filming, my chair fall over, so these two young students took it upon themselves to take care of me.
Recently I met with several community leaders to create a new idea.
The Achuar Education Project. (AEP)
The purpose of this service learning project is to link US schools with the village schools of the Achuar.
These villages are deep in the rain forest, and are only accessible to the rest of the world by flight or canoe. Because of their isolation and difficulty to get materials they receive minimal support from the Government.
The intention of the project is to support the Achuar obtaining an education and provide tools to help them maintain and protect the Amazon rain forest. And in turn provide an opportunity to educate school children about the rain forest and the people that call it home.
Donations can be made through the Travel4life Foundation ear marked for the Achuar Education Project.
The details are still being worked out and several ideas are being tossed around. The same isolation the Achuar live in that helps protect the rain forest is also a challenge to work around.
My trips to Ecuador and into the rain forest have provided the opportunity to make several connections and create relationships with people who are willing and trustworthy. Both key ingredients are needed to have this type of project be successful.
The pilot project will start with the village school of Tiinkias. I met the students and teacher of this one room school on two different trips. They provided a list of needs and wants. Details of which are coming soon. I met with the village leaders to discuss the idea. They are excited and see this as a wonderful opportunity for their children to share their wisdom and knowledge of the rain forest. They want their students to write letters or make drawings to send back to students or others who participate and support the project.
A certificate of appreciation and a photo of the Tiinkias village kids will be sent to all donors.
This is a powerful way to help protect a portion of the Amazon rain forest and make a positive difference in the lives of school kids in both worlds.
Please feel free to contact me, Dean Jacobs at dean@deanjacobs.org with any questions or suggestions.
Your supportand consideration is greatly appreciated.
Warm regards,
Dean
