Amazonas

Mocagua | Amazonas | Colombia |

Sixteen volunteers from different parts of the globe traveled to the heart of the Amazon jungle to help a community of 125 native children of the Tikuna tribe. Nature and community came together to provide these children and their school an opportunity for success. Medicine, doctors, filtration systems, backpacks, uniforms, and teaching materials were brought to Mocagua to provide indigenous kids with social and academic development.

Community Overview

The name «Ticuna» is apparently of foreign origin; perhaps it comes from the Tupí, «Taco-una,» which means «men painted black» or «black skins.» This name was given them by their neighbors because formerly the Ticuna often painted their bodies black with genipapo ( Genipa americana ) juice. In their daily conversations the Ticuna call themselves «Due’e,» which means «people.» The Ticuna are horticulturists, fishermen, hunters, gatherers, and traders. Which activities are more important for their diet depends in great measure on the location of their settlements. The Ticuna community values education but due to their limited resources and separation from developed cities, the educational system suffers.

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