Education continues to open pathways in Matavén. Raquel Pérez Cariban, an Indigenous young woman from the community of Galilea, Caño Cawasi sector, graduated as a Lawyer from the Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia thanks to the “Transforming Lives Fund”, the Ethnic Higher Education Program of the REDD+ Matavén Project.
Her achievement reflects the opportunities being created for young people to strengthen their skills, develop leadership and contribute to the well-being of their communities and the protection of forests, waters and biodiversity in Matavén.
A program born from a need that now cultivates new leadership
In 2018, a census revealed a critical reality: less than 1% of the population in Matavén held a professional, technical or technological degree. This finding led to the creation of the Transforming Lives Fund, a program that covers tuition and provides living support so students can complete their studies and apply their knowledge in service of their communities.
The Program strengthens Indigenous governance by nurturing a new generation of leaders who will, in the future, take on strategic roles within ACATISEMA, the REDD+ Matavén Project and other initiatives that support forest conservation and cultural continuity throughout the territory.
Investing in education is protecting the forest
At the REDD+ Matavén Project, we believe that safeguarding the forest begins by investing in people. We promote opportunities for communities to acquire knowledge and skills that strengthen territorial governance and high-integrity climate action.
Each graduation, like Raquel’s, is a seed of leadership and hope for future generations and a meaningful step toward building a Matavén that is autonomous, prepared and deeply committed to protecting its territory.