University of Prince Edward Island

Published purpose

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..