In Peru, Mission 21 supports three partner organizations that are active in educational work with indigenous women and young people in various rural provinces in the department of Puno. The poverty rate in this region is almost 40 percent. A large proportion of the population is of indigenous origin. Aymaras and Quechuas are particularly well represented. Although Peruvian law provides for extensive civic participation and recognizes the rights of indigenous peoples, this is insufficient in practice. Social conflicts (including environmental conflicts) occur time and again and occasionally escalate into violent protests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Indigenous women are particularly affected by racism, discrimination and machismo. While they are in great demand as \"folklore objects\" and adorn tourism brochures in glossy pictures, they are perceived as particularly disruptive in their role as active citizens who demand their rights. If strikes occur, they are often labeled as ignorant and unwilling to learn \"non-humans\" or \"terrorists\" who stand in the way of the nation's development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To make matters worse, over 23% of Peruvian women in rural areas are illiterate. At the same time, they often take on the role of head of the family, as many men leave their families for months at a time to look for work in mines or in the city due to the lack of employment opportunities. The challenges in the everyday lives of many women and girls are therefore particularly high.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The living situation is also made more difficult because the habitat of the population in the water catchment area of Lake Titicaca is threatened by severe water pollution and the effects of climate change. Efficient lobbying is needed in order to be able to demand government commitment through legally binding channels. Just as important as this targeted lobbying at a political level is raising awareness among the general population in order to promote commitment to protecting water bodies and the environment from pollution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Against this backdrop, Mission 21, together with its partner organizations, promotes various educational offers to strengthen self-determination, political participation and environmental protection, which are mainly aimed at indigenous women and young people in rural Puno. However, the educational programs are also open to interested men and boys.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2025, Alfalit strengthened its educational efforts in the Chupa district through the Suma Hoy project. Elementary school students and young women improved their skills in communication, active citizenship, and environmental education. The project sustainably strengthened reading comprehension, writing skills, school engagement, and the application of sound environmental practices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The literacy program significantly boosted the participating women\u2019s self-esteem, autonomy, and decision-making skills. For example, they developed digital skills and took on greater responsibility within their families and communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Preventive work with secondary school students has strengthened their ability to make decisions and take care of themselves. The project also involves families more closely and promotes collaboration with teachers and school administrators. The goal is to strengthen the community foundation in order to foster and expand positive developments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Our partner organization, Ema\u00fcs, reached approximately 310 people from marginalized and vulnerable groups in 2025. Through workshops and campaigns, children, adolescents, young women, and female leaders strengthened their skills in active participation in their communities, human rights work, gender equality, and environmental action. They actively advocated for the protection of Lake Titicaca and helped to strengthen community engagement, responsibility, and peaceful coexistence within their communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In collaboration with indigenous women\u2019s organizations around Lake Titicaca, IDECA continued to empower women in 2025 in their roles as environmental activists (\u00abDefensoras del Medio Ambiente y el Territorio,\u00bb Guardians of the Environment and Territory). Through workshops, education, and networking, women leaders developed concrete strategies to combat environmental destruction and the consequences of global warming, and they continue to actively advocate for their causes at the political level. IDECA established partnerships with universities, human rights organizations, and through a binational project in Peru and Bolivia. This initiative combines traditional knowledge with legal and ecological expertise. Through creative campaigns, our partner organization also mobilizes young people, thereby fostering a sustainable culture of care for the Qota Mama, the \u00abMother Lake.\u00bb.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
See here the Film \"Education for more self-determination\"<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n