Established in 2008, Amantani works to defend the rights of indigenous young people in the Peruvian Andes. They enable young people from marginalised Quechua families to access education, stimulating social development for Peru’s most disadvantaged communities. Their intercultural approach promotes social inclusion helping young people gain the skills needed to negotiate Peru’s modern society, whilst encouraging indigenous autonomy and cultural pride. According to the latest census undertaken by the INEII (National Institute of Statistics in Peru), 48% of Peru’s poor population live in rural communities and 82.3% of those in Cusco work informally, meaning that their work does not meet the International Labour Organisation’s criteria, primarily due to insufficient income. Amongst the underemployed, the country’s indigenous people are disproportionately represented where indigenous Peruvians earn substantially less than non-indigenous people.

The Leavers Programme focusses on helping these young people to access high quality training opportunities and formal employment experience. This project will enable 23 young people in 2020 to join a CETPRO (local technical college in Cusco). The project includes the following components: Higher education – Scholarships for young people to attend a CETPRO of their choice. Employment experience – providing active work experience placements with partner organisations. Mentoring and psychological support. Career guidance and psychological support to build confidence and make good decisions. Youth hub – Amantani runs a Youth Hub in Cusco where young people can use computers and participate in Sexual Health and Personal Development workshops as well as other activities. Parent Workshops – Parents are involved in the choices of young people and attend parent workshops in order to support them.