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Indigenous Covid-19 Fund. Rupununi. Guyana. SA

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A harsh geography, limited modes of transportation and seasonal flooding places the Rupununi Region in Guyana, South America, its people and culture at a heightened risk in accessing medical support.  The Rupununi also shares a border with Brazil (the country with the second highest number of COVID related fatalities in the world) and there exists a traditionally mobile population between the neighboring states.

 Despite the efforts of village councils across the region to protect their communities: constructing gates, setting up voluntary monitoring committees, conducting education campaigns etc the region which is home to an estimated 40% of Guyana's Indigenous population has become an epicenter for infection. With more than 90% of the region’s population dependent on the eco-tourism value chain and now unemployed or underemployed since March resources to access critically needed supplies are dwindling.

Eírîpan is partnering with community NGO's on the ground  including: The Kanuku Community Representatives Group (KMCRG), The South Rupununi District Council (SRDC), The North Rupununi District Development Board and the  Councilors of the Karasabai Sub-District to help to equip communities with sanitation and protective equipment to aid Community Health Centers and Village Councils.

We have also received requests for stationary and school supplies from teachers working to keep their children engaged while schools remain closed in a region where there is not internet or television access and only limited radio access.

Eírîpan  is a charity which has worked for over 15 years to promote Literacy, Cultural Preservation and “Personal Participation in Development” in communities across the Rupununi Region. Working with children born and/or living in the Rupununi Region of Guyana, we believe that access to education and a sense of personal worth are necessary factors in the process that transforms a child into a complete individual.

The Kanuku Community Representatives Group (KMCRG) is a community based NGO committed to providing an increased quality of life to all its members, based on traditional values and practices, supported by well-managed sustainable development, with benefits and learning shared across the
broader Rupununi community.

South Rupununi District Council  (SRDC) The South Rupununi District Council (SRDC) is a representative body of 21 Wapichan communities. It was formally established by Ministerial Order under Section 35(1) of the Amerindian Act 2006 on 20 March 2017. One of the SRDC’s objective is: the Promotion of and respect for the rights of indigenous peoples (e.g., as codified in the Guyana’s Constitution and United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples 2007).

North Rupununi District Development Board (NRDDB) established in 1996, is a locally formed Amerindian community-based Organisation composed of village leaders and other community representatives create for the purpose of establishing a formal links between the communities, government agencies, and Iwokrama.

Karasabai Sub District  (KSD) is composed of 8 communities in the foothills of the Pakaraima mountains.

Rupununi Learners Foundation  is a US-based 501(c)3 non-profit that supports a social enterprise approach to environmental conservation, encompassing wildlife research, education, economic development and cultural preservation. 100% of the funds raised here will be passed through to our Guyana partner.

Fundraising team: Eiripan (5)

Melanie McTurk
Organizer
Alton, IL
Rupununi Learners Foundation
Beneficiary
Kim Lee
Team member
Sarina Kawall
Team member
Tash Van Doimen
Team member

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