Angels of the Amazon, Part I: Surmounting the Odds

0:00 Why it matters

How important do you think education is for you? From your perspective?

I consider it one of the most fundamental pillars in human life. Because there are so many people in the world or in the country or wherever you go there are so many people being exploited due to the lack of having a university ID or something that identifies you as having a technical or university degree. Above all, in the country, many people are being exploited. Exploited in their work, and perhaps they don't know their rights or they are not earning the salary they truly deserve to earn.

How much is it?

So, I consider education something very important since it allows you to aspire to bigger things, think bigger, and acquire new things or, perhaps, become a great businessman or entrepreneur.

Here is fine.

1:10 Meet Ronald and Ruth

Hello!

Hello!

This is Ronald and Ruth. They are our students for the program of Angels of the Amazon Educational Program.

Ronald, how long have you been in the Angels of the Amazon education program?

I have been in the Angels of the Amazon [education] program for 11 years. I started when I was 9 years old in 2015. Since then, I was in fourth grade of primary school. I finished my primary school, and even high school and today I am currently studying a technical career in a higher institute and, I have been in the program for 11 years now.

And in which community are you, which community are you from?

Ah, from the El Chino community. From the Jane Gordon Cook school.

I graduated from the community and today I am currently living in the city of Iquitos to pursue some of my university goals. I am studying Business Administration. I am currently in the fourth semester. I've only got... well, 2 semesters left, so basically 1 whole year to go.

2:22 Ruth’s ten years

Ruth, about how many years have you been in the education program?

Well, since I was 8 years old [Angels of the Amazon] started supporting me and I have been in the program for 10 years. Well, I'm in the preparation course for the university. I'm preparing to study for psychopedagogy and philosophy. It's about helping students in their learning and also developing their development capabilities. It's going well, although at first I had difficulties but I've always tried my best to improve. My parents are happy, they just tell me to try hard and be able to get in [to university] although they tell me even if your sister made it, we trust in you, they tell me.

So it would be very nice if one day Ruth returns and, and to support her community.

3:16 The families behind them

In your case Ronald, what does your family say about what you are doing?

My family is a fundamental part of the process in my education because always, my dad, above all, has always been there, advising me, supporting me, giving me all the confidence I needed, for example when I was going through family problems. And I'm always grateful for them, they have always been something fundamental in the process I'm going through since the beginning of my career.

3:41 One in ten

I'm from a community, from El Chino, where the possibilities of education for a university or technical career are a little complicated. Almost 90% of the students who graduate [from primary school] stay within the community. And perhaps that 10% are the kids who aspire or have the capacity to go out for a technical or university career. And of that 10%, I have been one of them. Of which I feel fortunate to be able to belong to the Angels of the Amazon for giving the opportunity to continue pursuing my dreams and continue fighting for them.

4:17 The soccer dream

How did you suddenly, when you were a little kid, what did you see yourself doing in the future? If you even had any plans yet for your future.

Well, for example, when I started in the program, when I was 9 years old I always had the goal of being a soccer player. I always wanted that when I was a little kid.

Oh, yes, I remember. Right.

I saw myself as a...

Playing soccer.

Right, I saw myself as a great soccer player but as time went by, I learned and matured and I had to change my plans.

4:47 What education means now

In your perspective now, how do you see education?

Well, in my perspective, education is very important to be able to support yourself, and others around you. At first I didn't think I would have this kind of support but thank God, my heart was heard, right? And also the people to be able to support me. And I'm still studying, thank God. With God's help, and my parents' blessings. And I feel very happy to be in this program. To have this support. Because many, many want it, but they don't have that opportunity. And it is very important for each person in their lives that they can work and, well, have stable homes and have economic opportunity.

5:42 What a scholarship asks

Not only that you are going to prove yourself but you are also going to have to show, just as you were saying, you know how important family is here. Having your family support you and all that is great but imagine if you study and tell everyone 'I'm studying', and then you don't finish? That's kind of like letting your family down, you know? You do it for yourself first but you also have a responsibility that you do it for your family because everyone wants, who doesn't want their children to succeed? Imagine, a father who loves his children dreams. But sometimes parents don't have the possibility, and thanks to the support, right, to the sponsorship, or whatever we want to call it, the school scholarships allow young people like you to be able to realise their dreams. And that's beautiful when you take it and make the effort. So we can meet halfway and work together for it, right?

Very good.

6:38 A message for his dad

Alright Ronald, send a message to your dad for when we see him in the jungle.

Hello, Papa Aledino, I hope you are well. I am doing well, I am studying. I hope you can place all your trust in me as I am doing in you. I want to tell you that I'm fine and I'm pursuing my dreams. Perhaps when I'm on vacation I'll be able to visit you. And I hope you don't worry too much. I love you very much, Dad.