In the Resguardo Selva Matavén, less than 1% of the population holds a professional or technical degree, according to the census we conducted in 2018, following the guidelines of the Colombian Ministry of the Interior. To change this reality, we launched the “Transforming Lives” Ethnic Higher Education Program, providing indigenous youth in Matavén with access to higher education.
This program covers tuition, and living expenses, housing, transportation, food, study materials, uniforms, and/or equipment, breaking down financial barriers so that more young people like Melby Johana Nariño Cariban can achieve their dreams, and develop the skills needed to participate in and manage the REDD+ Matavén Project and other conservation initiatives.