Wekimun Rural Training Centre for Aboriginal Youth in Chili

This project aims to reduce poverty by training up to 200 male and female indigenous youth aged between 15 and 44 living in the poorest communities of Chiloé Chile. It helps these youth become more employable and self-sufficient by establishing a rural training centre—the Wekimum Rural Training Centre—where they can access training programs based on their needs. Skills learned by trainees are intended to help them establish healthy sustainable and dignified livelihoods; contribute productively to local governance and community development; and re-establish their confidence and pride in indigenous identity and traditional knowledge. Youth acquire skills in how to make a living in rural areas resource management business development and general life skills. Through the Wekimum Rural Training Centre the project proposes to leave a legacy of effective training infrastructure high quality curricula and programming developed from the fusion of Chilote and Canadian knowledge. As well more than 200 families stand to benefit from seed and livestock banks..

Expected results include: (1) improved community development services (education and health) for indigenous men and women in 5 rural Williche communities; (2) enhanced environmentally sustainable food production (subsistence and commercial) and community development activities in 5 rural Williche communities; (3) increased entrepreneurial activities and wage employment among male and female youth in Williche territories; and (4) enhanced gender inclusive natural resource management being applied in Williche territories