Kuna Scholarship Project
In our opinion the most meaningful way to support the Kuna people is to support them to sell their traditional products. By doing so one gives them the chance to maintain their unique and independent culture and continue to live in their traditional communities.
In many families though the sale of molas is not enough to ensure the necessary minimum income to support the family. Especially for single mothers or for families with many children it is hard to send all children to school.
What we do
For some of these families we have started a private scholarship project. The most needy families are selected by the local authorities and receive a small monthly amount in cash. Already a few dollars help to provide the most basic supplies for the family. This helps to send the kids to school rather than depend on them to help their parents with fishing or farming.
What it costs
An individual scholarship costs EUR 20.- per month. Of this, approximately 5% are spent on banking fees, the rest is targeted without any additional costs for administration to the families in Ustupu.
How it works
Families, who are eligible for a scholarship send a copy of the kid’s school certificate to proof that classes are attended. In addition to that, the child has to hand it a small piece of handcraft twice a year. These small drawings, pieces of needlework or basketwork shall give them the feeling that they are responsible for earning the scholarship rather than being dependant on charity.
