In the heart of the Matavén Forest, Indigenous communities face a critical challenge: accessing higher education.
Wilmer Chamarravi Ponare, from the Santa Marta community, Caño Cawasi sector, has achieved a milestone that will shape both his life and the future of his people: he has graduated as a Psychologist from the Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia in Bucaramanga, thanks to Fondo Transformando Vidas, the ethnic higher education program supported by the REDD+ Matavén Project.
This success reflects Wilmer’s dedication and the commitment of Indigenous communities to education as a key tool for sustainable development. However, pursuing higher education outside Matavén is a major challenge. Young Indigenous students often lack the financial resources to support themselves in cities like Bucaramanga, where the cost of living makes higher education nearly impossible without external support.
Education for Matavén Future
In the 2018 Census we conducted under the guidelines of the Colombian Ministry of the Interior, it was revealed that less than 1% of Matavén population held a technical or professional degree. To change this reality, Fondo Transformando Vidas was created—an initiative designed to close this gap and ensure that higher education is accessible to Indigenous youth. Through this program, the REDD+ Matavén Project fully covers tuition, housing, food, transportation, and study materials, removing the financial barriers that limit educational opportunities.
Students commit to returning to Matavén to apply their knowledge for the benefit of their communities. This model of education rooted in territorial identity and cultural relevance not only strengthens Indigenous governance and forest conservation, but also fosters a balance between academic knowledge and ancestral wisdom.
Preserving traditions and expanding education go hand in hand—they form the bridge that ensures sustainable development in Matavén.
Education and Conservation: A Shared Path
Educating Indigenous youth like Wilmer not only empowers their communities but also reinforces the protection of the forest, biodiversity, and water resources.
With access to education and economic opportunities, communities reduce the chances of activities that harm the forest, such as illegal mining and illicit crop cultivation. By equipping young leaders with the right tools, they can lead conservation efforts, develop sustainable projects, and improve their quality of life while strengthening their governance and cultural heritage.
The REDD+ Matavén Project demonstrates that conservation is only possible when the communities who protect the land are empowered.
Wilmer represents a new generation of Indigenous leaders who are building a sustainable future, thanks to education and the support of REDD+ Matavén.
Congratulations, Wilmer! Your success is Matavén pride and proof that education is a key pillar of a sustainable future.
Learn more about Fondo Transformando Vidas and how we support education in Matavén here.