Children of the Rainforest is an Indigenous education and language fund. We help the Yawanawa of the Amazon save their language from extinction and strengthen their culture so they can continue to protect the Amazon Rainforest. A registered Non-pro fi t 501(C)3 Accessible only by an eight-hour boat ride up the Greg ó rio River, in the heart of the Brazilian Amazon rainforest, is the New Hope Village of the Yawanawa Tribe, Aldeia Nova Esperan ç a. The European invasion last century ago brought death from illness. The accompanying surge in infant mortality stunted population growth. Religious missionaries in the 1960s brought medications for the diseases, but forbid Yawanaw á cultural traditions and outlawed the speaking of their language. After a long fi ght, the Yawanawa gained of fi cial rights to their land in 1992, establishing the Indigenous Reserve of Rio Gregorio and banishing missionaries and others occupying their land. The Yawanawa are now regaining their traditions after the cultural genocide. Most importantly, they are bringing their language back to life. Inspiring ISKU VAKEHUHU, CENTER FOR TRADITIONAL STUDIES AND YAWANAWA LANGUAGE. The “lungs of the world,” the Amazon is home to more biodiversity than anywhere on Earth. Indigenous reserves protect 45% of the remaining primary Amazon rainforest from deforestation and exploitation. The Yawanawa protect 500,000 acres of primary Amazon rainforest. They steward the land, water, and biodiversity as their ancestors have for thousands of years. THE PROBLEM: Like many Indigenous languages, Yawanawa is critically endangered. Missionaries obliterated it when they prohibited Yawanawa language and cultural practices. It will be lost in two generations if the culture is not revived. An Indigenous culture without its language is in peril of disappearing. Our mission is to help the Yawanawa strengthen their language and culture so they can continue to protect the Amazon rainforest. THE SOLUTION: Isku Vakehuhu, Center for Traditional Education and Yawanawa Language is not just a school, it is a symbol of cultural regeneration. 190 children and youth will learn cultural tradition and Yawanawa language. Isku Vakehuhu will help save Yawanawa language from extinction, revive and preserve ancestral tradition, and strengthen intergenerational transmission of knowledge and culture Birac í Jr. “Isku Kua” Yawanaw á , Chief of Nova Esperan ç a Village, leader of Isku Vakehu Center of Traditional Studies and Yawanawa language. Birací Brasil Jr. ‘Isku Kua’ Yawanawa, Chief of Nova Esperança Village, Board Member of Children of the Rainforest, leader of Isku Vakehuhu. IskuKua represents the future of the Yawanawa culture. As chief of Nova Esperança Village, he is responsible for over 300 people. He is a visionary young leader creating the future while learning from the past. He is initiated into the highest spiritual practices in the Yawanawa tradition. Isku Kua travels frequently to Europe and the United States to share Yawanawa culture and spirituality. He is a Keynote Speaker who has presented to six presidents; to the United Nations, UNESCO, and the Interfaith Rainforest Initiative. His focuses include traditional Indigenous education, sustainable energy and regenerative agriculture, and reforestation. As a board member of Children of the Rainforest, Isku Kua Yawanawa ensures campaigns and funds go directly to the heart of the solution. The situation: Phase One: Construction of the buildings, is almost complete. The fi nal $25,000 is being fundraised. Phase two: Operationalize for classes to begin, is dependent on a securing funding for the budget. Our team is actively fundraising. Budget is attached on page 11. THE ISKU VAKEHUHU PROJECT WILL BE FUNDRAISING IN 3 PHASES: PHASE 1: Construction Building of the classrooms, kitchen, bathrooms, and accommodations. PHASE 2: Operationalize Purchase needed supplies for classes and operations to begin. PHASE 3: Sustain operations Children of the Rainforest will sustain Isku Vakehuhu by facilitating individual and corporate donations, online contributions, monthly donors, and fundraising events. PHASE 4: Expansion Expand the capacity of Isku Vakehuhu for more indigenous communities. Isku Vakehuhu will be a blueprint of cultural rejuvenation. Isku Kua will share the message and use Isku Vakehuhu as a symbol of hope and cultural rejuvenation. CONSTRUCTION PHASE ONE: Construction of the central buildings, kitchen, school rooms, and twelve cabins for dormitories will require planning, supplies, and physical labor. Construction is in harmony with the forest using sustainable and biodegradable supplies, including the roof panels. Every tree used will be replaced with 100 new saplings. UPDATE : PHASE ONE FUNDRAISING IS COMPLETE AND CONSTRUCTION IS SET TO BE COMPLETED JULY 31st. Operationalize for classes to begin We are seeking strategic partnerships with individuals, businesses, and organizations to invest in operationalizing Isku Vakehuhu. Funds will be used to: Out fi t the center with a sustainable energy source and clean water supply. Equip the classroom and kitchen with necessary supplies and services. Provide instruments for the music center. Set up transportation to and from the village. Furnish accommodations for village members and guests. Establish the Isku Vakehuhu foundation in Brazil. DESCRIPTION PRICE Solar panels and batteries for 17 buildings $82,000 USD Kitchen ( industrial oven, fridge, freezer, etc ) $8000 USD Water well $6300 USD School supplies and equipment $21,000 USD Wi fi internet installation $1,500 USD Music studio and study center $31,100 USD Boat transportation and fuel for students $20,000 USD 2 UTV’s to transport supplies from village $20,700 USD Founding Isku Vakehu foundation in Brazil $5,200 USD TOTAL $195,800 USD PHASE 3: SUSTAIN Ensuring the autonomy of Isku Vakehuhu will require membership programs, direct donations to the project, and additional corporate sponsorships. This phase will also support Yawanaws in establishing economic independence through sustainable ethno-tourism programs, including festivals, retreats, and other cultural gatherings. Children of the Rainforest is establishing a global online community to facilitate fundraising initiatives. PHASE 4: Once the Isku Vakehu is successful and self-reliant, Children of the Rainforest and Chief Isku Kua will expand this model into other indigenous communities around the world. For direct contributions please contact: ChildrenoftheRainforest@gmail.com +1 (310) 733-9080 Children of the Rainforest is registered Non-pro fi t 501(C)3 TAX ID EIN: 88-1998453 Donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law in your country.