Embracing the traditional and the western

Indigenous youth’s pursuit to promote mental well-being

With the aim of supporting Indigenous youth of Vaupés, a region of the Colombian Amazonia, we have joined this intercultural process. The project, funded by Grand Challenges Canada, and implemented by OPIAC (Organización de los Pueblos Indígenas de la Amazonía Colombiana), also convenes several national and international partner organizations.

The project offers training to 40 indigenous young people – from 5 Indigenous Organisations – as Community Mental Health Promoters. This process combines Indigenous traditional practices and cosmovisions with approaches and content from other cultures. Youth participants will design a community-based initiative to develop with the orientation of elders. Initiatives will be based on youth’s research and will be oriented to support the well-being of other young people in their communities.

Start Date: 31/07/2021 – End Date: 31/01/2023

Funding

Grand Challenges Canada

Program

Global Mental Health

Implementer Organisation

Organización de los Pueblos Indígenas de la Amazonía Colombiana (OPIAC)

Institution Country

Colombia

Implementation Country

Colombia

Implementation Region

Latin America and Caribbean

Focus

Mental Well-being Promotion and Prevention