Indigenous Children and Youth: New Pillars of Civil Society A Practical Experience Leyla Garro Valverde Indigenous Organization Kus Kura S.C. Costa Rica Montevideo Uruguay October 2008

Background and Rationale. Central America is a multi-ethnic and multicultural region, populated by 59 indigenous peoples with almost 30% youth (World Bank, 2006) (INEC- CELADE, 2003), who have been excluded from the decision-making processes.

Background and Rationale The indigenous peoples linked to Mother Earth in ancient times with balance and respect reside where the main natural resources are found. The pressure they are currently under threatens their survival and the disappearance of their practices, thus affecting the general population and needing to educate new generations.

Background and Rationale Within the framework of the Central American regional integration, the participation of the excluded sectors including youth, indigenous peoples and women is fostered. Despite the evidenced needs and recommendations to meet them, there are no organizations representative of indigenous children and youth working jointly for the implementation of these recommendations that address the needs of this population sector which has been traditionally excluded.

Kus Kura El León Civil Society: Non-profit indigenous organization, registered under the law of associations, Costa Rica, legal number From the beginning in July 2002, KKS.C. has favored work with indigenous children and youth as the axis for the development of the indigenous peoples.

Development of experience With indigenous children in Costa Rica With indigenous youth in Centra America

Indigenous Children Support of Kan Tan Educational Facilities with the creation of a green group in the Boruca township Regional events in Costa Rica National event

First Regional Event at Kan Tan Educational Facilities. Regional Events

Participants at the II Regional Event on Indigenous Children Regional Events

Indigenous Youth

Indigenous Youth in Central America Work was done with 160 youngsters from eleven indigenous peoples, in 4 countries of the Central American Region, as part of a Program to Empower Youth

Capacity building KKSC has acknowledged that indigenous peoples should come together in a horizontal and integral manner, building capacity among children and youth in various priority areas.

Capacity Building The process to train future leaders is addressed, with the provision of tools and values for social change, defense of the culture, recognition of rights and protection of the environment, in keeping with other efforts such as the Millennium Development Goals, statements made by international actors and the international instruments to protect the rights of this population.

Training Topics Human rights are taught in a playful and interactive manner, starting with a critical, multicultural and contextualized vision. The rights of indigenous children and youth are discussed for this generation to understand, become aware and be supported by the legal framework that protects them. In the medium and long term, the events attempt to strengthen the structures of representativeness and cohesion among these peoples, as defense mechanisms against their problems.

Training Sites

Strategies Horizontal communication was established with the various organizations and leaders of the indigenous peoples. Various organizations, institutions, universities, related groups and practitioners were coordinated to support and contribute to the process in an ad hoc fashion. Most of the activities were carried out within the indigenous peoples, allowing for their inclusion and reward for their services.

Outcomes in the area of youth Ten indigenous peoples from four countries are involved and motivated for integration through their youth. Seven national training workshops were conducted. A regional workshop for training focal points and young indigenous leaders was held. A regional event with indigenous youth was held. Two universities, organizations, institutions and NGOs were coordinated in support for the training and empowerment process of the indigenous youth. 160 indigenous young persons with tools for their empowerment. A directory was developed to identify young indigenous leaders and youth organizations in the 4 countries involved.

Outcomes in the area of children Strengthening of the culture and indigenous traditions Exchange and knowledge among boys and girls from various indigenous peoples Participation in the process of various organizations and institutions 200 boys and girls with training and motivation in the management of their rights as boys, girls and indigenous population

Outcomes in the area of youth Dissemination at the level of organizations and grass roots leaders of the international agreements and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Creation of spaces for reflection and analysis of the situation of the indigenous youth in Central America Placement of the indigenous youth on the map of decision makers and governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations Strengthening of the Central American Regional integration process with the participation of a sector that had been traditionally excluded from the process Assessment and projection of their own potential as youth to face the future challenges of the indigenous peoples

Recommendations To foster and strengthen training of indigenous children and youth through programs, and projects to favor their development as current and future population Create spaces for analysis and discussion that allow the indigenous children and youth to strengthen themselves before the challenges they need to face and maintain their culture and traditions